Lawmakers Urge $367 Million for NIOSH Funding
ISEA backs a bipartisan request to secure federal budget support for workplace safety research and essential respiratory protection programs.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Mar 03, 2026
The ISEA is backing a bipartisan congressional push to secure at least $366.8 million for the NIOSH in the fiscal year 2027 federal budget.
Representatives Summer L. Lee, Michael Baumgartner, and Greg Landsman issued the request to the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. The funding targets critical safety initiatives, including the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory and its Respirator Approval Program, which monitors equipment used by more than 50 million workers.
NIOSH programs provide research and standards development for high-risk industries such as mining, commercial fishing, and emergency response. According to ISEA, these investments are vital for reducing workplace injuries and fatalities while preventing counterfeit safety products from entering the U.S. market.
The requested funds would also support the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program and the Health Hazard Evaluation Program, which helps businesses identify and mitigate workplace health risks.
ISEA President and CEO Cam Mackey said strong funding ensures workers have necessary protections and strengthens the national economy. The association noted that employers investing in effective safety programs report significantly fewer injuries and high returns on safety investments.
The move comes as workplace injuries continue to impact productivity, costing the economy billions annually in lost time and medical expenses.
About the Author
Jesse Jacobs is assistant editor of OHSOnline.com.