House Appropriations Bill Prioritizes Federal Response to Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance — what infectious diseases experts warn could become the next pandemic — is poised to receive much needed federal investment. The Fiscal Year 2023 Labor-Health and Human Services-Education Appropriations Bill, to be considered tomorrow by the House Appropriations Committee, reflects a deepening of the U.S. commitment to combat antimicrobial resistance through improved surveillance, prevention, stewardship, research and innovation. Key investments include a $20 million increase for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Antibiotic Resistance Solutions Initiative, an additional $20 million for AMR research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a $100 million increase for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, which includes resources to support novel antibiotic development.

While this funding will drive needed progress, what is needed are bolder solutions and even stronger investments — such as the PASTEUR Act — to revitalize antibiotic research and development and ensure that all patients can benefit from antimicrobial stewardship. Without a multipronged effort to address the threat posed by AMR, we will continue to fight deadly infections with our hands tied behind our backs.

― Daniel P. McQuillen, MD, FIDSA – President, Infectious Diseases Society of America