May 5, 2025
FY 2026 President’s Discretionary Budget Request
Last week, the Trump Administration unveiled their high level FY 2026 President’s Discretionary Budget request. Among these requests, the Trump administration proposes HHS receive $93.8 billion for FY26, a 26.2% decrease from the FY25 enacted level. Funding levels for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy programs are not articulated, nor those for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Indian Health Service (HIS), Administration for Community Living (ACL), and Administration for Children and Families (ACF).
Other topline discretionary numbers include:
- $7.2 billion for HRSA, a 19.4% decrease from FY 25
- $3.0 billion in discretionary funding for CMS, an 18.3% decrease from FY 25
- $5.6 billion in discretionary funding for CDC, a 38.9% decrease from FY 25
- $240 million in discretionary funding for AHRQ, a 35% decrease from FY 25
- $29.3 billion for NIH, a 38% decrease from FY 25
- $6.2 billion for SAMHSA, a 14.3% decrease from FY 25
USDA is proposed to receive $22.3 billion for FY26, with an 18.3% cut to base discretionary funding, including a $721 million decrease to Rural Development Programs.
The Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA) and the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) are monitoring the possible implications these requests will have on rural health. It is critical that Congress fully funds the rural health safety net and protects core rural programs against cuts in the FY 2026 appropriations process.
NRHA is urging Members of Congress to support our requests to improve rural health care access and affordability.
Click Here to see NRHA’s recent appropriations letter to congressional leadership.
NRHA encourages you to also utilize their advocacy campaigns and Urge Congress to Invest in Rural Health (FY 2026 Appropriations).