On Dec. 16, 2019, Congress released a spending package to fund the government for 2020. This plan includes some big wins for the asthma and allergy community.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Asthma Control Program (NACP) will receive an extra $1 million this year. This will bring its annual budget to $30 million.

The NACP is a critical program aimed at reducing the burden of asthma. It tracks prevalence and promotes control and prevention. The NACP currently serves 24 states, Puerto Rico and Houston. More funding may expand the program to more states, territories and municipalities.

The Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) will be reauthorized for another 10 years. This signals its continued commitment to fund patient-centered outcomes research that engages and empowers patients.

Congress is raising the federal age to buy tobacco to 21 years old. This is an important step to reducing the harmful effects of tobacco smoke on those with asthma. But more federal action is required to address the teen vaping epidemic.

The House has passed the package, and the Senate is expected to pass it this week. The President is expected to sign it into law on Dec. 20, 2019.

More details on the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) advocacy efforts on these issues can be found on our Positions and Statements page:

AAFA Signs Letter Thanking HHS for Leadership in Addressing E-Cigarette and Vaping Crisis – Oct. 18, 2019

AAFA Signs Letter for Funding of National Asthma Control Program for FY 2020 – Oct. 17, 2019

AAFA Signs Letters Supporting Reauthorization of PCORI – May 13, 2019

AAFA Signs Letter Requesting Funding for CDC’s NACP for FY 2020 – March 11, 2019