Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
White House Budget, Though Largely Ceremonial, Will Provide Peek At Trump's Health Priorities
The Washington Post: In Big Reversal, New Trump Budget Will Give Up On Longtime Republican Goal Of Eliminating Deficit
President Trump on Monday will offer a budget plan that falls far short of eliminating the government’s deficit over 10 years, conceding that huge tax cuts and new spending increases make this goal unattainable, three people familiar with the proposal said. ... The budget is expected to target spending cuts at social welfare programs such as Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, large segments of government spending that have long been eyed by Republicans for cuts. The White House is looking at ways to curb these programs by expanding work requirements for beneficiaries, but it is unclear how much money changes like this would save or whether it would find enough political support. (Paletta, 2/11)
The Associated Press: Trump’s $4 Trillion Budget Helps Move Deficit Sharply Higher
The original plan was for Trump’s new budget to slash domestic agencies even further than last year’s proposal, but instead it will land in Congress three days after he signed a two-year spending agreement that wholly rewrites both last year’s budget and the one to be released Monday. The 2019 budget was originally designed to double down on last year’s proposals to slash foreign aid, the Environmental Protection Agency, home heating assistance and other nondefense programs funded by Congress each year. (Taylor, 2/12)
The Hill: Five Questions About The New Trump Budget And Health Issues
The White House is expected to release its fiscal 2019 budget request on Monday, and health advocates will be watching closely to see if this year’s proposal will contain deep cuts to the agencies charged with bolstering public health and finding cures for complex diseases. Lawmakers from both parties are also waiting to see if the budget will propose major changes to the anti-drug office that have already sparked an outcry. (Roubein, 2/11)
The Hill: Trump Budget To Include Billions To Combat Opioid Epidemic
President Trump’s budget will propose billions of dollars to combat the opioid epidemic plaguing the country, months after the administration designated the crisis a national public health emergency. The White House’s fiscal 2019 budget set to be released Monday will include nearly $17 billion for the opioid epidemic that’s killing more Americans per year than car accidents, according to an outline from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (Roubein, 2/11)
Politico: Trump To Demand Tough Budget Cuts For Domestic Programs
The budget calls for roughly $17 billion in “opioid-related spending,” with the vast majority going to treatment, prevention and recovery. For veterans' health care, Trump’s budget would set aside $85.5 billion, far above last year’s levels. (Ferris and Scholtes, 2/11)
