FY2027 Research Funding Update: House Makes Progress
The federal appropriations cycle for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) is in full swing, and we are writing to share an update on the outlook for cancer research funding.
House Appropriations Bill Approved by Committee
Last week, the House Appropriations Committee approved its version of the FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS) appropriations bill. While there is still a long way to go in the lengthy appropriations process - and plenty of opportunities for advocates like you to take action - the bill provides insight into Congressional priorities for cancer research and prevention programs.
This House bill includes slight increases in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH, $48.816 billion) and its National Cancer Institute (NCI, $7.462 billion).
Related specifically to childhood cancer programs, report language includes full funding for the STAR Act ($30 million), full funding for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program ($12.6 million), and an increase in funding for the Childhood Cancer Data Initiative ($60 million, which is $10 million more than FY26).
Report Language Addresses Pediatric Brain Trials
House appropriators include language in their report addressing ceased funding for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium (PBTC) and the transition of early phase trials to the Pediatric Early Phase Clinical Trials Network (PEP–CTN):
The Committee encourages NCI to consider ways to continue current trials in PBTC’s pipeline, conduct analysis of highly valuable imaging, and continue support for immunotherapy trials for pediatric brain tumors.
Additionally, the Committee encourages NCI to continue to support research and initiatives specifically focused on pediatric brain cancer and requests an update in the fiscal year 2028 congressional justification on the transition to the PEP–CTN as well as ongoing efforts to combat pediatric brain tumors, including any stand-alone initiatives.
NIH Urged to Prioritize Survivorship
The Committee also encourages the NIH to prioritize survivorship, with the following report language:
The Committee encourages continued support by NIH in cancer survivorship research, including essential elements of survivorship care; and
The Committee encourages CMS to collect Medicaid claims data from States on childhood and young adult cancer beneficiaries receiving services to transition from pediatric to adult care, utilization of services that support transitions of care, and receipt of an individualized transition of care plan. The Committee requests an update on this topic in the 2028 congressional justification.
What's Next?
While this bill and its language is encouraging, Congress still has significant work ahead before final FY27 funding levels are determined. In the Senate, the appropriations process has stalled due to disagreements over topline funding levels.
Informed and engaged advocates like you help ensure lawmakers understand the importance of sustained federal investment in cancer research and prevention. Please join us in urging Congress to provide the strongest possible funding for NIH and NCI in FY27 appropriations.
Learn More About This Issue:
"Federal funding for cancer research is critical. And it has always been critical - since the very beginning." - Susan L. Weiner, PhD, Founder of Children's Cancer Cause
In this new episode of the Game Over c*ncer podcast, our founder Susan Weiner discusses how federal investments have fueled decades of breakthroughs, improved survival rates, and created hope for children and families facing cancer. She also explains why protecting and strengthening these investments is essential for the future of pediatric cancer research and care.
We encourage you to take a few minutes to listen and share the episode with others who care about advancing cancer research.