Major Win for Worker Safety
ISEA is happy to report a major, positive development in our effort to ensure funding for NIOSH and its Respirator Approval Program (RAP). The House Appropriations Committee has completed their review and markup of their appropriations bill and funding for NIOSH RAP has been kept at $23 million for FY26, the same as current levels. The House’s bill matches funding levels set in the Senate version completed in July, setting the stage for a much easier process in reconciling the two for final passage.
Background: A Year of Uncertainty
Given the headwinds NIOSH faced this year, this is a remarkable achievement for ISEA and the entire worker safety community. NIOSH was gutted in early April as part of the Dept. of Health and Human Service’s reduction in force plans, laying off hundreds of workers and shuttering the RAP, throwing the future of respiratory protective equipment certification in jeopardy. After a groundswell of support from the worker safety community, much of the agency was reinstated in mid-May. However, RAP again faced an uncertain future when the White House released their budget proposal with no funding for it and most other programs.
ISEA’s Advocacy Efforts
Over the last several months, ISEA and its members embarked on a vigorous advocacy campaign with key Senate and House members of both parties, the executive branch, and White House itself. In addition to these efforts, ISEA has worked with the senior leaders in the White House to make sure NIOSH and RAP are kept out of a second “recissions” bill (legislation that repeals existing appropriated funding).
Why This Win Matters
ISEA commends the Senate and House appropriations committees for recognizing NIOSH RAP’s value and importance to national security, worker safety, and economic vitality. While Congress’s work is unfinished and attention must be directed to ensuring such appropriated funds are properly spent, this success represents a critical step in worker protection and sets up future success for FY27 and beyond.
Thank You to the Safety Community
We’re grateful for the support and engagement of our members, association partners, and the broader worker safety community. The fight for NIOSH isn’t over yet, but rest assured that ISEA won’t rest until this critical agency has the funding it needs to protect workers.
