Fact Check: "CDC operating on a '30-day eyedropper' budget amid funding chaos."
What We Know
The claim that the CDC is operating on a "30-day eyedropper" budget stems from reports indicating significant delays in the disbursement of federal funds to the agency. According to NPR, two CDC staff members revealed that the agency has not yet received its full funding for the 2025 fiscal year, leading to a situation where the CDC is operating on a stopgap budget that provides only 30 days of funding at a time. This interim funding method is typically employed during delays in the apportionment process, which can take 45 to 60 days after a budget is passed. The staff members characterized this situation as "rescission by inertia," indicating that the delays are effectively impounding the agency's funding.
Health department officials across the country have echoed these concerns, noting that the delays have resulted in job losses and halted public health initiatives. For example, in North Carolina, the lack of timely funding led to layoffs in local health departments, impacting critical services such as disease investigation and prevention efforts (NPR).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from credible sources, specifically internal CDC staff and public health officials who are directly affected by the funding delays. The NPR reports provide detailed accounts of the operational challenges faced by the CDC and state health departments due to the funding issues. The characterization of the funding situation as operating on an "eyedropper" budget is attributed to a senior CDC official, which adds a level of authority to the claim.
However, while the sources are reliable, it is important to note that they reflect the perspectives of CDC staff and public health officials who may have a vested interest in highlighting the urgency of the funding situation. The lack of response from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the delays also raises questions about transparency and accountability, as they did not provide explanations for the funding holdups when requested by NPR.
Overall, the sources used in this fact-check are reputable, and the claims made align with the experiences of various health departments across the United States, which have reported similar issues with delayed funding.
Conclusion
The claim that the CDC is operating on a "30-day eyedropper" budget amid funding chaos is True. The evidence from credible sources indicates that the CDC is indeed facing significant delays in funding disbursement, which has led to operational challenges and adverse effects on public health initiatives across the country. The characterization of the funding situation as being akin to receiving money "with an eyedropper" accurately reflects the current state of affairs at the agency.
