The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill — which funds the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — included significant cuts to the CDC’s overall budget. While funding for the CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Grants was sustained. This continued and strengthened investment is essential for our industry!

To ensure preparedness against current and emerging vector-borne disease threats, we must modernize and strengthen the tools that public health professionals rely upon every day.

This year, we are requesting:

• Maintenance of the current $40 million funding level for the CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program; and
• An additional $10 million for the CDC ELC line item dedicated to improving surveillance, data modernization, and information sharing to better monitor, forecast, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks — while reinforcing the importance of sustained mosquito prevention efforts.

A key component of this modernization effort is VectorSurv, a web-based data management and analysis platform used by vector control and public health agencies across the United States. VectorSurv enhances the nation’s ability to track, respond to, and predict areas at increased risk for vector-borne diseases. The platform continues to expand to include additional U.S. states and U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands, strengthening national coordination and preparedness.

Ongoing and future vector-borne disease threats demand sustained federal investment. Protecting our communities requires modern tools, coordinated data systems, and reliable funding.

How You Can Take Action

To submit appropriations requests, we are asking AMCA members to do the following :

• All programs should complete and submit your Congressional Members FY27 Appropriations Request Form requesting support for $50 million for the CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) program, including dedicated funding to strengthen vector surveillance and data modernization efforts. Many of these forms are due March 6th! You may find the forms on your Congressional Members websites OR check AMCA's excel spreadsheet HERE. This document has all appropriations information to fill out the congressional forms HERE.
• All members should use the AMCA Advocacy Action Center to submit an appropriations request letter to your Member of Congress by clicking the "Submit Request NOW" button below. You will have an option to include how ELC funds have directly benefited your program, and we encourage you to share your story.

If you need assistance finding and completing your appropriations request form, please contact:

Gary Goodman
AMCA L&R Appropriations Subcommittee Chair
gwgoodman@fightthebite.net

Katherine Schmitz
Normandy Group
kschmitz@thenormandygrp.com