"In recent years, the agency reports, more than half of local STD programs have experienced budget cuts that led to clinic closures, as well as reduced screening and patient follow-up.

"Federal spending has also been curtailed."

“In the federal government, there is one dedicated STD funding line, and that is the line item in the appropriation bill funding the division of STD prevention at the CDC,” said David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors. “That appropriation has been whittled away over the last 18 years.”