WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Alliance for Biosecurity issued the following statement regarding fiscal year (FY) 2024 appropriations and the President’s FY25 Budget Request:
“The Alliance for Biosecurity is disappointed that the President’s FY25 Budget Request proposes insufficient funding to support critical federal biodefense programs, such as the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). While the Administration touts the importance of these programs, the President’s Budget Request fails to address historic underfunding of federal programs that protect both the public and the war fighter from naturally occurring and man-made national security threats.
Recently, the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise (PHEMCE) Multiyear Budget (MYB) for fiscal years 2023 through 2027, acknowledged that “the ASPR SNS budget has not kept pace with the cost of stockpiling ASPR BARDA supported products approved by the FDA (up to 86 as of January 2024). In the absence of additional funding to move these products into the ASPR SNS, products without sustainable commercial pathways may be lost, costing the United States government both the investments it has made in developing the products as well as the critical ability to build PHEMCE’s preparedness posture against future threats.”
The Alliance commends recent bipartisan efforts in Congress to pass FY24 funding legislation, which provides robust and enduring funding for biodefense and preparedness programs. For FY24, Congress approved important increases to fund BARDA, Project BioShield, Pandemic Flu Preparedness, and the SNS. While additional funding is needed, the Alliance is encouraged by continued funding increases. Strong federal funding for biodefense programs is essential to maintain the development and stockpiling of lifesaving MCMs, including MCMs that lack a commercial market. The Alliance welcomes the opportunity to continue our work with congressional leaders and ensure sufficient funding for biodefense programs in fiscal year 2025.
To learn more about the Alliance’s FY 2025 appropriations request click here.
