The new Regional Medical Programs (RMP) legislation once again expanded RMP activities. For example, kidney disease was added to the services covered, as were prevention and rehabilitation. By 1970, fifty-four RMP were operational. The program enjoyed its peak year of funding in fiscal year 1973, at $140 million, but these days were soon over. In announcing budget cuts for fiscal year 1974, under the impact of inflation and recession, the Nixon administration requested zero funding for RMP. Although Congress did provide funds to extend the program for another year, it took a court order in February 1974 to force Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Caspar Weinberger to release the RMP funds impounded by the administration.