Tuesday afternoon, February 3, the House passed the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2026 five-bill appropriations package that includes critical funding for domestic and global HIV programs. Importantly, the package did not include a full FY2026 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS funding will be subject to a two-week continuing resolution as Congress seeks agreement on essential guardrails for ICE and related immigration enforcement activities in communities nationwide.
The passage of level HIV funding through September 30, 2026, is a major victory for people living with and vulnerable to HIV, the Save HIV Funding Campaign, and the broader HIV advocacy community who successfully overcame nearly $2 billion in House majority-proposed funding cuts for FY26. Of note, housing funding for people living with HIV/AIDS received a $24 million increase. The FY26 spending package now goes to the President for his signature, which will end the partial government shutdown in effect since this past Saturday.Â
However, the fight is not over. While devastating cuts to federal funding have been averted for FY26, HIV and related communities cannot continue to deliver life-saving, cost-effective services with no new federal resources. Reduced insurance coverage because of halted enhanced premium tax credits, reduced Medicaid coverage as a result of HR 1 passage, and increasing healthcare costs are creating a situation in communities across the nation where access to HIV services is being cut. As we look toward FY27 and beyond, we must focus on securing funding consistent with what is needed to end HIV as an epidemic once and for all. We also must continue to support protections for immigrants and their communities as Congress addresses the profound concerns raised by the DHS spending bill.
The Save HIV Funding Campaign expresses its sincere gratitude to each stakeholder and advocate who made their voice heard to save HIV funding this past year. Thank you especially for your work over the past several weeks during this final push, and for showing solidarity with the people of Minnesota and in communities nationwide who are under threat of violent immigration enforcement abuses.
About the Save HIV Funding Campaign:
Launched in 2023 by PrEP4All, AVAC, and the HIV Medicine Association in partnership with the Federal AIDS Policy Partnership, the Save HIV Funding campaign is supported by over 150 national and local organizations. The campaign began in response to proposed Congressional cuts to federal HIV programs and successfully helped avert $2 billion in domestic HIV funding cuts.Â
In early 2025, the campaign expanded in response to the Trump Administration’s escalating efforts to dismantle essential HIV services and infrastructure. Today, Save HIV Funding continues to mobilize advocates, patients, healthcare providers, and public figures to ensure access to lifesaving care for everyone impacted by HIV.
This statement was originally published February 3, 2026, by Save HIV Funding. It is republished with permission.
