U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, announced on July 28 that the State Department will contribute the $600 million appropriated in fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to replenish U.S. funding to GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
“It is welcome news that following our recent outreach, the State Department has committed to contributing the full $600 million for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance,” said Senator Collins. “I have worked to ensure that the Department uses this funding Congress appropriated to replenish U.S. funding to GAVI, an organization that plays a critical role in averting the spread of preventable diseases globally and stopping outbreaks before they reach U.S. borders.”
Collins was joined by Vice Chair Patty Murray and committee members Mitch McConnell, Brian Schatz, Lisa Murkowski, and Jeanne Shaheen in sending a letter in May to Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging restoration of U.S. contributions to GAVI. At a hearing reviewing the 2027 budget request for the State Department, Collins also urged Secretary Rubio to release funds for GAVI and highlighted its work vaccinating more than one billion children in some of the world’s poorest countries.
The Senate Appropriations Committee oversees federal expenditures as mandated by law and manages legislation related to federal funding through hearings on spending proposals and oversight of government programs. The committee draws its authority from the U.S. Constitution’s requirement that funds be drawn from the treasury only through appropriations made by law; it has influenced federal spending on issues such as trade and international affairs since its early operations under chairmen like Lot Morrill of Maine and is known for producing major bills such as Homeland Security Appropriations Acts, according to the official website.
The announcement concludes recent efforts by Senate leaders aimed at ensuring continued support for global vaccination initiatives.