Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, that the U.S. State Department is set to reinstate funding for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, a global humanitarian vaccine program. This decision reverses a funding pause initiated during the Trump administration.

In a press release, Collins stated, “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.” She emphasized her efforts to ensure the Department uses the funds appropriated by Congress to support GAVI, which plays a critical role in preventing the spread of diseases globally and stopping outbreaks before they reach U.S. borders.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated in June 2026 that the United States might restart funding for GAVI, reversing a prior decision by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. The State Department head informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that his department had been taking back control of American relations with GAVI, which provides vaccines to developing countries.

According to Rubio, President Trump had asked Kennedy to lead the GAVI funding decision due to concerns about vaccine safety and to implement reforms. However, Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services had held up the $600 million in previously appropriated funding over vaccine safety concerns.

GAVI’s budget has historically been significantly supported by Congress, with the State Department traditionally overseeing the funding.

Sources