Lawmakers have unveiled a bipartisan appropriations bill to fund Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies for the remainder of fiscal year (FY) 2026. To prevent another government shutdown, the bill must be approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President by Jan. 30.

The package includes several ACC priorities such as extending telehealth flexibilities, supporting the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reestablishing in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services, and more.

This legislation extends key Medicare telehealth flexibilities, including audio-only services, through Dec. 31, 2027, and reestablishes in-home cardiopulmonary rehabilitation through Jan. 1, 2028. ACC members advocated for both policies at last year’s Legislative Conference.

Beyond telehealth, the bill boosts NIH funding to $48.716 billion for FY 2026 and removes the 15% proposed cap on indirect costs. In particular, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute will receive $3.99 billion.

Funding for the CDC will remain stable, with $9.202 billion allocated for FY 2026. Key cardiovascular health programs include $5 million for Million Hearts and $34.62 million for WISEWOMAN.

Additional health policies benefiting patients and the health care workforce are also featured. The agreement includes provisions from the Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act, which the ACC’s Cardio-Obstetrics Member Section supported at an advocacy day in May 2025, and reauthorizes programs under the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act through FY 2030 to strengthen mental health resources for clinicians.

Overall, several of ACC’s top advocacy priorities are reflected in this appropriations package. Policies that expand access to high-quality care, advance cardiovascular health and support clinician well-being were prioritized throughout this process thanks to the efforts of ACC members who engaged in Legislative Conference, advocacy days and grassroots alerts.

The ACC Advocacy team will continue to provide updates at ACC.org/Advocacy and in the weekly ACC Advocate newsletter.

Clinical Topics: Cardiovascular Care Team

Keywords: ACC Advocacy, Telemedicine, Workforce, National Institutes of Health (U.S.), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S., Health Policy