The U.S. House of Representatives today voted on a 217-214 margin to approve the spending package that was passed by the Senate last week. Thanks to the advocacy of countless Illinoisans who engaged with us on this work, we were able to fight back a whopping $2 billion in proposed cuts to HIV programs, including the full elimination of Ryan White Part C, D, and F, HIV prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Ending the HIV Epidemic, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) program, and more. The final package retains funding levels from last year for nearly all HIV programs, with a $4 million cut to the Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI). House Republicans had proposed cutting the MAI by half.
In addition, we were able to secure a much-needed increase of $24 million for the HOPWA program, the only federal housing program dedicated for people living with HIV. Members of the Illinois Congressional delegation including Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Delia Ramirez (IL-03) and Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) elevated HOPWA as a top funding priority for this appropriations cycle, and we thank them for their leadership.
While funding for HIV and housing services is secured through September 30, 2026, Congress must now work to finalize FY26 funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Given the terror that ICE and Border Patrol have inflicted on Illinoisans, our midwestern neighbors in Minnesota, and across the country, AFC calls on Congress to vote NO to increase funding for DHS without meaningful guardrails to reign in their abuse. We urge Congress to move quickly on this, so that we may turn our focus to funding for the next cycle as the Trump administration prepares to issue its FY27 budget proposal.
Last year, the President proposed dismantling the HIV and housing safety net. We would not have been able to protect these vital programs without community engagement. We urge you to take action by joining our Mobile Action Network to stay up to date on the latest advocacy opportunities and to have your voice heard: AIDS Foundation Chicago | Action Center.
