Hart Health Strategies

Republicans Secure Majority in House for 119^th Congress-Republicans have officially won enough seats to retain majority control of the House of Representatives for the 119^th Congress. While five races remain uncalled, the balance of power currently stands at 218 seats for Republicans and 212 seats for Democrats. On the Senate side, Pennsylvania party officials are preparing for a recount in the race between Democratic incumbent Sen. Bob Casey and Republican challenger David McCormick. The state-mandated recount must begin by November 20, and Pennsylvania counties must submit their recount results by November 27.

 

Having secured majority control, the House GOP is now considering passage of a continuing resolution (CR) that extends government funding through March to provide President-elect Donald Trump with more control over fiscal year 2025 federal spending. This plan could allow Republicans to secure significant spending cuts but would put pressure on President Trump to avoid a government shutdown early in his administration. While House Republicans may favor a CR, the Democratic-controlled Senate would like to see an omnibus spending package.

 

Trump Taps RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary-President-elect Trump has named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his choice for Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy is an environmental lawyer and well-known vaccine skeptic. He is a former Democrat who ran as an Independent in this year’s presidential race before dropping out and endorsing Donald Trump. Kennedy has recently spearheaded the ‘Make America Healthy Again’ movement, calling for a reform of pesticide, food additive, and vaccine regulations. Democrats are widely opposed to the selection, while many Republicans have not yet weighed in on the choice. The nomination will be voted upon by the Senate Finance Committee, but Kennedy will appear before both the Finance and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committees for confirmation hearings. Incoming HELP Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) has acknowledged bipartisan support for Kennedy’s stance on food additives, while Finance Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has complimented Kennedy’s focus on chronic disease prevention. Kennedy’s position on vaccines, however, has largely drawn criticism from senators on both sides of the aisle, though some members-including Sens. Rand Paul, MD (R-Ky.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.)-have expressed support.

 

Trump Draws from Elected Officials for Other White House Positions – Amongst the other individuals tapped by Trump for Cabinet posts and administration jobs include several current members of Congress. President Trump has nominated Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) as Attorney General. Gaetz resigned from Congress following Trump’s nomination announcement. The House Ethics Committee had been set to meet last week to vote on its report examining allegations of sex trafficking, acceptance of improper gifts, and illicit drug use by Gaetz, but lost jurisdiction over the former Congressman upon his resignation. While Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) has indicated that he does not plan to allow the report to be released, Democrats on the panel are reportedly considering what avenues are available for them to release the information themselves. Gaetz’s nomination would be considered before the Judiciary Committee in the Senate. Current Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) was joined by a number of Senate Republicans-including Judiciary Committee member John Cornyn (R-Texas)-in pressing House Ethics to turn over the report. They have also expressed openness to subpoenaing the panel for the information. Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.) is President Trump’s nominee for National Security Adviser. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is acting quickly to schedule special elections to fill the two Florida seats. Former House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has been nominated as U.N. Ambassador. Her confirmation would trigger a special election, which would likely take place sometime in the spring. The nomination of House members could temporarily impact Republican’s narrow majority in the chamber, though House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has stated that he does not expect Trump to select any additional House members for his administration. Trump also tapped Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) to serve as Secretary of State. DeSantis is responsible for appointing a replacement to fill Rubio’s seat until the next general election. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) has called on the Governor to appoint Lara Trump, current co-chair of the Republican National Committee, to replace Rubio in the Senate.

 

President-elect Pushes for Use of Recess Appointments-Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted his plans to use the president’s ability to make recess appointments to effectively bypass the normal Senate confirmation process for executive nominations. While recess appointments used to be common, a 2014 Supreme Court decision has since curbed its use. Neither President Trump during his first term nor President Biden made use of recess appointments. Recess appointments can be made while the Senate is adjourned for periods of two weeks or longer. Both chambers of Congress would need to pass a concurrent adjournment resolution-which can be done with simple majority votes-to put the Senate into a recess long enough to open the recess appointment window. While incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has expressed a preference for confirming presidential nominees “the regular way” he also stated that he remains open to the idea of recess appointments should Democrats block nominations through procedural means. There are more than 1,200 presidential appointments that require Senate confirmation. The last cabinet nomination to be formally rejected by the Senate was President George H.W. Bush’s defense secretary nominee John Tower, a former senator who faced allegations of alcohol abuse. Other nominees, such as Andrew Puzder-nominated for Secretary of Labor during Trump’s first term-have withdrawn their nomination before a formal vote. With an expected 53-47 seat majority, the Senate GOP can only afford to lose four Republicans in a nomination vote on the Senate floor.

 

Thune to Replace McConnell as Senate Republican Leader-Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected Republican Senate leader in a closed-door vote last week, beating Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (Fla.) to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). McConnell, who has led the Senate GOP for nearly 20 years, announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from Senate leadership. Thune was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996, where he served until being elected to the Senate in 2004. He has served as the Senate GOP whip, the second ranking Republican in the chamber, since 2019. During his time in Congress, Thune has been a champion of telehealth and pharmacy benefit manager reform. He is also a member of the bipartisan working group on Medicare physician payment reform, and opposes the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare drug price negotiation program. Starting in January, Thune will control the Senate’s procedures and schedule, and manage negotiations with Senate Democrats. Thune has stated that the Senate filibuster will stay intact during his leadership tenure. The incoming Senate majority leader has said that his priority will be confirmation of the President’s executive nominees, telling senators to expect “an aggressive schedule” until nominations are confirmed. The remaining results of Senate Republican leadership elections are as follows:

• Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso, MD (R-Wy.) was elected the next Senate Majority Whip.
• Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) defeated Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to replace Barrasso as Senate GOP Conference Chair.
• Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) was elected GOP Policy Committee Chair.
• James Lankford (R-Okla.) was elected GOP Conference Vice Chair.
• Tim Scott (R-S.C.) was elected Republican Senatorial Committee Chair.

Democrats have not yet held their leadership elections but are unlikely to see any major changes in rank.

 

Cassidy to Chair HELP in the 119^th Congress-Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) will lead the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee next Congress. Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-Ky.), who has seniority on the panel, announced that he will take the helm of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) instead. As HSGAC chair, Paul has stated his intent to build upon the panel’s biosecurity-related investigations. Sen. Cassidy, a gastroenterologist/hepatologist, will be the first medical doctor to serve as HELP chair since 1933. During his time as HELP Ranking Member during the 118^th Congress, Cassidy has worked with members on both sides of the aisle to lower the cost of health care and reform the pharmacy benefit manager industry. He also released an NIH white paper, and earlier this month released a bipartisan legislative framework for site neutral payment reform with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.).

 

House Republican Leadership Elections-Republicans in the House of Representatives unanimously nominated Mike Johnson (R-La.) to continue to serve as House Speaker. While Johnson only needed the support of a simple majority of his conference to become the party’s nominee, he will need a majority of the full House in January to secure the speakership. The speaker election is slated for January 3. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) will continue to serve in their positions during the 119^th Congress. The remaining results of the House Republican leadership elections are as follows:

• Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) defeated Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) for the position of Republican Conference Chair.
• Erin Houchin (R-Ind.) was selected to replace McClain as GOP Conference Secretary.
• Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) won a second term as National Republican Congressional Committee Chair.
• Oklahoma Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) defeated Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Ala.) in the race for Policy Committee Chair.

The House Republican Steering Committee had planned to meet to decide contested races for committee chairmanships in the 119^th Congress, including the Energy and Commerce Committee, but the meeting was rescheduled. House Democrats will hold their leadership elections on November 19^th and 20^th.

Freshmen members of Congress have also been on the Hill in recent days for new member orientation. The Republican freshman class selected Rep.-elect Brandon Gill (R-Texas) to serve as the freshman class president. Gill is a former investment banker who will fill the seat of retiring Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas) next Congress.

 

GOP Doctors Caucus Announces Co-Chairs for the 119th Congress-The House GOP Doctors Caucus has elected Rep. John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.), a dermatologist, to serve as co-chair alongside Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.), a urologist, for the 119^th Congress. “Our country faces many great challenges, and now more than ever, we need thoughtful solutions to expand access to affordable, high-quality care,” Joyce and Murphy said in a statement. “With a majority in the House of Representatives, we look forward to working with President Trump and the Republican Conference as we consider much-needed reforms.”

 

Gottheimer to Run for NJ Governor-Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) announced his bid for governor of New Jersey last week. Gottheimer, who just won reelection to the House of Representatives, will run to succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy (D) in November 2025. He joins a field of at least four other Democrats and four Republicans vying for the position.

 

E&C Republicans Ask GAO to Assess Structure of Lab Safety Offices-House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans are asking the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine laboratory safety programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and National Institutes of Health. “This committee remains concerned about the effectiveness of the oversight the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies provide to the laboratories they own and operate,” the letter states. “In addition to numerous GAO recommendations that remain unimplemented by the FDA, both the CDC and the FDA recently announced organizational reforms to their laboratory safety and security functions, and it is not clear whether these changes will strengthen oversight or create new undue risk.” The letter was signed by Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-Va.).

 

DEA Extends COVID-Era Telehealth Flexibilities-On Friday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) released a temporary rule titled “Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Medications.” This regulation extends, through December 31, 2025, the pandemic-era telemedicine flexibilities that have been in place since March 2020 for prescribing controlled medications via the practice of telemedicine. The flexibilities allow Schedule II-V substances to be prescribed without an in-person visit. The final rule extends regulations with no substantive changes to the current rules. DEA previously received a record 38,000 comments after proposing to rein in the flexibilities due to concerns about overprescribing and substance misuse. The agency states that its latest decision will provide more time to finalize regulations that both mitigate the risk of diversion while also avoiding disruptions in access to care.

 

GAO Outlines Ongoing Cybersecurity Challenges at HHS-The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a new report outlining the steps the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) could take to address the increasing number of cyberattacks against health care organizations. The report highlights that HHS has failed to implement past GAO recommendations related to supporting health care cyber risk management, assessing sector cybersecurity risks, and coordinating and collaborating for sector cybersecurity. The full GAO report can be found here.

 

CBO Releases FY 2024 Budget Review Summary-The federal budget deficit increased eight percent, or $138 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) budget review summary for fiscal year (FY) 2024. CBO found that Medicare outlays rose by nine percent, or $78 billion, because of higher enrollment and health care service payment rates. Medicaid outlays rose less than one percent, or $2 billion. While state Medicaid programs disenrolled millions of individuals in FY 2024, per-person Medicaid enrollee costs increased since FY 2023.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Meetings

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing on the National Institutes of Health; 10:00 a.m.; November 19

 

House Appropriations Committee oversight hearing “Assessing the Veterans Health Administration Fiscal Year 2025 Potential Shortfall;” 10:00 a.m.; November 20

 

House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations hearing “Meeting the Challenges of Global Brain Health: Diagnosis and Treatment for the 21st Century;” 2:00 p.m.; November 20

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing “Life After Limb Loss: Examining VA Amputee Prosthetics Care;” 2:30 p.m.; November 20

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.10106-To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into a contract or other agreement with a third party to review appointees in the Veterans Health Administration who had a license terminated for cause by a State licensing board for care or services rendered at a non-Veterans Health Administration facility and to provide individuals treated by such an appointee with notice if it is determined that an episode of care or services that they received was below the standard of care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Norman, Ralph [Rep.-R-SC-5]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5297-A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitations on contributions to health savings accounts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5298-A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to allow health marketplace pools to be deemed an employer under section 3(5) of such Act for purposes of offering a group health plan or group health insurance coverage, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1569-Expressing support for the designation of the week beginning on November 11, 2024, as “National School Psychology Week”; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

S.5308-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the Rural Flex program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5311-A bill to require the public release of all research supported by the National Institutes of Health; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.J.Res.220-Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Deceptive and Unfair Collection of Medical Debt”; Sponsor: Palmer, Gary J. [Rep.-R-AL-6]; Committees: House-Financial Services

 

S.5326-A bill to fully fund the Prevention and Public Health Fund and reaffirm the importance of prevention in the United States healthcare system; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5330-A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program regarding treating pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in TRICARE Select; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate-Armed Services

 

H.R.10124-To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House-Agriculture; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10126-To fully fund the Prevention and Public Health Fund and reaffirm the importance of prevention in the United States healthcare system; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

2024 Election Results-The Associated Press announced on November 6 that former President Donald Trump had reached the 270 electoral votes needed to win the 2024 presidential election. Trump outpaced his 2020 election performance, while Vice President Kamala Harris did not perform as well as Joe Biden did as the Democratic presidential candidate four years ago. Trump ultimately won 312 electoral votes to Harris’ 226 and successfully captured all seven swing states in play this election cycle: Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

 

Republicans also gained control of the Senate in the 2024 elections, flipping seats in West Virginia, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. The Senate balance of power for the 119^th Congress currently stands at 53 seats for the GOP and 46 seats for Democrats. Ruben Gallego (D) is currently leading Kari Lake (R) in the Arizona race to fill retiring Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s (I) seat. It should also be noted that Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) has not yet conceded his race. While the Associated Press called the Pennsylvania Senate race in favor of Republican David McCormick, there remain more than 100,000 ballots left to be counted. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) will appoint a replacement for Vice-President-elect JD Vance upon Vance’s resignation from the Senate. That individual will serve in the Senate until a special election in 2026. Vance may choose to resign before the inauguration on January 20 to give his replacement more seniority for the purposes of committee assignments. Most freshmen members will be sworn in on January 3 at the start of the new Congress.

 

While the results remain pending in a handful of races, Republicans appear close to the threshold of retaking control of the House of Representatives as well. The GOP currently holds 213 seats to Democrats’ 203, with 218 needed for the majority. As of Sunday, nineteen races have yet to be called, with Democrats leading in the vote count in 11 races and Republicans leading in the remaining nine.

 

Hart Health Strategies Inc. has specifically tracked the election results for health professional candidates in the 2024 elections. This information can be found as an addendum to the newsletter on page 5.

 

 

What to Expect in the Lame Duck-Congress returns on Tuesday to begin the lame duck session of the 118^th Congress. During this time, Congress will meet to wrap up urgent or unfinished business. New member orientation and congressional party elections to determine who will lead the Democratic and Republican parties during the 119^th Congress will also occur during the busy lame duck session. The House of Representatives is currently scheduled to adjourn on December 19, 2024, and the Senate is scheduled to adjourn on December 20, 2024. Lawmakers will have approximately 20 working days to accomplish a number of major policy priorities that await congressional action, including passage of fiscal year 2025 appropriations and avoiding a government shutdown, consideration of a supplemental disaster aid package, confirmation of the outgoing Biden administration’s judicial nominees, and taking action on a short term fix to prevent the anticipated 2.83% cut to the Medicare physician fee schedule set to take effect on January 1. Hart Health Strategies’ guide to the 2024 lame duck session containing further details is included as an addendum to this newsletter starting on page 8.

 

 

Trump’s First 100 Days-Under the forecasted unified GOP control of the White House and Congress starting in 2025, Republicans are expected to quickly pass a budget reconciliation package allowing President Trump to carry out the significant tax cuts promised during his campaign. Lawmakers will prioritize extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act-set to expire at the end of 2025-for inclusion in the package. The special rules that accompany the reconciliation process would enable Republicans to circumvent a Democratic filibuster in the Senate; legislation otherwise requires 60 votes to advance through the upper chamber. In addition to addressing the expiring tax breaks, the reconciliation bill could also include spending cuts and certain regulatory reforms. Republicans are also expected to use reconciliation to address funding for major new border security initiatives, given Donald Trump’s emphasis on securing the border throughout his time as a politician. Measures to increase health care cost transparency may also be considered for inclusion in the reconciliation legislation.

 

 

Trump Personnel Forecast-President Trump is expected to begin making decisions on key administration personnel positions in the coming days and weeks. It was announced last Thursday that Susie Wiles will serve as Trump’s chief of staff. Wiles led Trump’s campaign for the past two years. She previously led his Florida operations in the 2016 campaign and worked on Ron DeSantis’s (R) Florida gubernatorial campaign.

 

In 2016, Trump announced his choice for Health and Human Services Secretary 20 days following his election victory. Along with personnel from his first administration, the following individuals have been spotlighted for their potential to be selected to serve in administrative positions that impact health policy during Trump’s second term in office:

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a former independent presidential candidate and anti-vaccine activist. He is the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of former Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. He has spearheaded the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which focuses on chronic disease prevention. RFK has attested that President-elect Trump has promised him “control of the public health agencies.” Siblings and health entrepreneurs Casey and Calley Means, who have helped lead the MAHA initiative, could also be considered for potential health roles in the administration.
• Bobby Jindal is the former governor of Louisiana and principal adviser to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary during the George W. Bush administration. He currently leads the health policy division of the America First Policy Institute.
• Eric Hargan served as deputy HHS secretary and acting HHS secretary following the resignation of Tom Price during Trump’s first term. In such capacity, he helped oversee Operation Warp Speed and other aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
• Paul Mango served as HHS Deputy Chief of Staff during Donald Trump’s first term in office. Before joining the government in 2018, he spent nearly 25 years as a consultant in, and leader of, McKinsey & Company’s Health Care Practice.
• Joe Grogan is the former Domestic Policy Council Director and assistant to President Donald Trump.
• Ben Carson is a retired neurosurgeon and Donald Trump’s former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Dr. Carson and the President-elect remain close friends.
• Brian Blase previously served as Donald Trump’s Special Assistant for Economic Policy at the National Economic Council. He currently leads the Paragon Health Institute.
• Jim O’Neill is a science and technology investor and former HHS principal associate deputy secretary during the George W. Bush administration. Former President Trump previously considered O’Neill to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs.
• Scott Gottlieb previously served as Donald Trump’s FDA Commissioner. He currently works for the American Enterprise Institute, at a venture capital firm called New Enterprise Associates, and on the board of Pfizer and Illumina.
• Theo Merkel previously served as Donald Trump’s Special Assistant for Economic Policy at the National Economic Council. He worked for former Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) for more than a decade, including as his Legislative Director. He currently works at the Paragon Health Institute and the Manhattan Institute.

 

VA Congressman Announces Cancer Diagnosis-Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) announced last week that he has been diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. Connolly stated in a letter to his constituents that he will begin chemotherapy and immunotherapy “right away” but that he is “very confident in a successful outcome” and that he will continue to do his job in both his district and on Capitol Hill. Connolly was reelected to a ninth term by more than 30 percentage points on Tuesday.

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing “How Bump Stocks and Other Conversion Devices are Amplifying the Gun Violence Epidemic;” 10:00 a.m.; November 13

 

Senate Judiciary Committee markup including S. 2140, Patent Eligibility Restoration Act; 10:00 a.m.; November 14

 

House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing “Preparing for the Next Pandemic: Lessons Learned and The Path Forward;” 11:30 a.m.; November 14

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing “Life After Limb Loss: Examining VA Amputee Prosthetics Care;” 2:30 p.m.; November 20

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.10085-To require that opioid overdose rescue kits be located at public institutions of higher education, and for other purposes. Sponsor: De La Cruz, Monica [Rep.-R-TX-15]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10086-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to codify the Medicare low-wage index hospital policy. Sponsor: Ferguson, A. Drew [Rep.-R-GA-3]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.10093-To amend title 10, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Defense to include certain tests as part of the periodic health assessments provided to members of the Armed Forces. Sponsor: Luttrell, Morgan [Rep.-R-TX-8]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.10095-To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10096-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure access to immunizations under the Medicaid program and the Vaccines for Children program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10097-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the hospice program survey and enforcement procedures under the Medicare program. Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.10098-To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to extend group health plan and health insurance coverage to parents of enrollees if such parents are not eligible to enroll in the Medicare or Medicaid program. Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1563-Expressing the sense of Congress that the United States is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy climate for future generations, and thus to restoring the climate; Sponsor: Thompson, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Foreign Affairs

 

Health Professionals in the 119^th Congress

Health Professionals Not Returning for the 119^th Congress

The following health professionals will not be returning for the 119^th Congress due to retirement or loss in primary or general election:

Name	Specialty	Party	District
Rep. Michael Burgess, MD	OB-GYN	Republican	TX-26
Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM	Podiatrist	Republican	OH-02
Rep. Drew Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC	Dentist	Republican	GA-03
Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD	Cardiothoracic surgeon	Republican	IN-08
Rep. Cori Bush, RN	Registered nurse	Democrat	MO-01
Rep. Yadira Caraveo, MD	Pediatrician	Democrat	CO-08

New Health Professionals in the 119^th Congress

The following health professionals won their elections and will join the 119^th Congress as new members of the House of Representatives:

 

Name	Specialty	Party	District	Opponent
Kelly Morrison, MD	OB-GYN	Democrat	MN-03	Tay Jude (R) (open seat due to Dean Phillips (D) retirement)
Maxine Dexter, MD	Pulmonary and critical care physician	Democrat	OR-03	Joanna Harbour (R) (open seat due to Earl Blumenauer (D) retirement)
Mike Kennedy, MD	Family physician	Republican	UT-03	Glenn J. Wright (D) (open seat due to John Curtis (R) running for Senate)
Bob Onder, MD	Allergist-immunologist	Republican	MO-03	Bethany Mann (D) (open seat due to Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) retirement)
Herb Conaway, MD	Doctor of internal medicine	Democrat	NJ-03	Rajesh Mohan (R) (open seat due to Andy Kim (D) running for Senate)
Sheri Biggs, DNP	Family and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner	Republican	SC-03	Bryon Best (D) (open seat due to Rep. Jeff Duncan (R) retirement)

 

Returning Health Professionals in the 119^th Congress

The following incumbent health professionals won their elections and will return to the House of Representatives for the 119^th Congress:

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Name	Specialty
Rep. Brian Babin, DDS (R-TX-36)	Dentist
Rep. Ami Bera, MD (D-CA-06)	Internal medicine physician
Rep. Buddy Carter, BSPharm (R-GA-01)	Pharmacist
Rep. Scott DesJarlais, MD (R-TN-04)	General medicine
Rep. Neal Dunn, MD (R-FL-02)	Urologist
Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (R-AZ-09)	Dentist
Rep. Mark Green, MD (R-TN-07)	Emergency physician
Rep. Andy Harris, MD (R-MD-01)	Obstetric anesthesiologist
Rep. Diana Harshbarger, PharmD (R-TN-01)	Pharmacist
Rep. Ronny Jackson, MD (R-TX-13)	Emergency physician
Rep. John Joyce, MD, FAAD, FACP (R-PA-13)	Dermatologist
Rep. Jen Kiggans, RN, AGNP (R-VA-02)	Geriatric nurse practitioner
Rep. Rich McCormick, MD (R-GA-06)	Emergency physician
Rep. Raul Ruiz, MD, MPP, MPH (D-CA-25)	Emergency physician
Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-WA-08)	Pediatrician
Rep. Mike Simpson, DMD (R-ID-02)	Dentist
Rep. Glenn Thompson, Med (R-PA-15)	Rehabilitation therapist
Rep. Lauren Underwood, RN (D-IL-14)	Registered nurse
Rep. Jeff Van Drew, DDS (R-NJ-02)	Dentist

 

The following House race has not yet been called by the Associated Press:

 

Name	Specialty
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-IA-01)	Ophthalmologist

 

UNITED STATES SENATE

All five incumbent health professionals in the United States Senate will continue to serve in the 119^th Congress. Senator John Barrasso, from Wyoming was the only Senate health professional in cycle this year and retained his seat. Sen. Barrasso currently serves as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and plans to seek the #2 Republican leadership post in the 119th Congress.

 

Name	Specialty
Sen. John Barrasso, MD (R-WY)	Orthopaedic Surgeon
Sen. John Boozman, OD (R-AR)	Optometrist
Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA)	Gastroenterologist/Hepatologist
Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS)	OB/GYN
Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY)	Ophthalmologist

 

 

 

Lame Duck Session 2024

 

Lame Duck

The Lame Duck Session of the 118^th Congress is scheduled to begin on November 12, 2024. ‘Lame Duck’ refers to the period of time after the November 5, 2024, elections and before the 119^th Congress is sworn into office on January 3, 2025. During this time, Congress will meet to wrap up urgent or unfinished business. Currently, the House of Representatives is scheduled to adjourn on December 19, 2024, and the Senate is scheduled to adjourn on December 20, 2024.

 

Prior to the adoption of the Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution in 1933, new congresses convened in December of odd-numbered years-meaning Congress would meet and pass legislation for more than a year post-election. The Twentieth Amendment, which changed the president’s term from March 4 to January 20, also changed the convening date for a new Congress to January 3 of odd-numbered years.

 

Timing

Lawmakers have approximately 20 working days (i.e., days in which Congress plans to be in session or hold votes) to accomplish a number of major policy priorities awaiting congressional action-policies which may be considered “must pass” before the end of the session. New member orientation and congressional party elections to determine who will lead the Democrat and Republican parties during the 119^th Congress will also occur during the busy lame duck session. New member orientation usually occurs prior to Thanksgiving, while congressional party elections are expected in November and early December. The House and Senate calendars for 2025 also will be announced during this time. However, congressional committee assignment determinations may not be known until January.

 

Politics

Lame duck sessions are characterized by the fact that some members of Congress will finish their terms and not return in January for the 119^th Congress. Thus, non-returning members may not be as beholden to typical political dynamics as their colleagues. These members may also push for the passage of “legacy” legislation and priorities.

 

During the lame duck, Congress is expected to negotiate the following key issues and will need to determine whether they can complete negotiations or must instead pass extensions in order to address the policies during the next Congress. The scope and content of this work will be shaped by the upcoming Trump administration, the Republican majority in the Senate and the pending results of the November election to determine the majority of the House of Representatives.

 

Avoiding Government Shutdown

The current continuing resolution (CR), extending funding for the 12 annual appropriations bills, was passed before the election and expires at midnight on December 20, 2024. Congress must act again before this funding deadline to pass either another CR or a fiscal year (FY) 2025 appropriations measure to avoid a federal government shutdown. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has opposed a year-end omnibus spending package, maintaining this position may prove difficult. To date, the House has only passed four individual spending bills, while the Senate has not passed any. The House Republicans may push for a shorter-term CR to allow funding decisions to be revisited under the Trump administration, while Senate Democrats may push for a longer-term package that can be signed into law before President Biden’s term ends.

 

Disaster Aid

Congress is expected to take up a supplemental disaster aid package during the lame duck to assist communities impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. The Small Business Administration estimates that it needs about $1.6 billion to replenish the exhausted disaster loan program, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s disaster relief fund also needs additional resources.

 

Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs is once again warning of a potential budget shortfall in FY 2025 and is requesting $12 billion in additional funding to ensure veterans’ continued access to medical care.

 

Defense Authorization

Congress has yet to take up the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is typically advanced with strong bipartisan support. While negotiations have been complicated by ongoing conflicts around the world, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, the package is considered “must pass” and may provide a legislative vehicle for unrelated provisions that Congress wants to pass by the end of the year.

 

Farm Bill

Passage of the farm bill-authorization for agriculture and commodity programs-remains a bipartisan priority on Capitol Hill. While half of the Republican conference in the House is urging leadership to take up a GOP-led bill, other lawmakers are pushing for consideration of bipartisan legislation before the end of the year.

 

Nominations

The Senate is expected to be focused on confirming the outgoing Biden administration’s judicial nominees during the Lame Duck session, particularly because Republicans will control the upper chamber in the 119^th Congress and will focus on confirming President-elect Trump’s nominees. A total of 234 of former President Trump’s judicial nominees were successfully confirmed by the end of his term; President Biden’s tally currently stands at 213.

Medicare Physician Payment

More than 200 members of the House have written to congressional leadership urging action to prevent the anticipated 2.8% cut to the Medicare physician fee schedule set to take effect on January 1. While the hope is that a short-term fix to address the impending Medicare reimbursement cut is passed during the lame duck, longer-term reforms (e.g., an inflationary payment update or a budget-neutrality threshold increase) will likely be punted for future consideration.

 

Telehealth

Without congressional action, COVID-era telehealth flexibilities are currently set to expire at the end of this year. Both the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees have advanced two-year extensions with strong bipartisan support, with reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry included to offset the projected costs.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform

Congressional committees have advanced more than 30 bills related to PBM reform during the 118^th Congress. Of note is the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378), which passed the House last December and is estimated to reduce the federal deficit by $715 million over the next decade.  Due to these estimated savings, advancing PBM reforms is more enticing as a lame duck vehicle to “pay for” other priorities.

 

Physician-Member Priorities

The GOP Doctors Caucus-and retiring physician-lawmakers in particular – have identified the following bills, in addition to addressing Medicare physician payment, as priorities for the remainder of the 118^th Congress:

• The Improving Seniors-Timely Access to Care Act (S. 4532/H.R. 8702)-With 54 cosponsors in the Senate and 221 cosponsors in the House, this bill has secured support from a bipartisan majority in both chambers. The legislation would streamline and standardize the use of prior authorization by Medicare Advantage plans. The bill sponsors have worked to address a higher-than-expected cost estimate in the latest version of the legislation, which unanimously passed the House during the 117^th Recently, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) informed the bill sponsors that the legislation is not expected to increase federal spending – news that is expected to bolster the chance of passage before the end of the year.
• The Preventive Health Savings Act (S. 114/H.R. 766)-This bipartisan bill would provide a framework for committees of jurisdiction to request supplementary cost estimates for preventive health care legislation, expanding the typical 10-year budget window to a 30-years. The bill passed the House earlier this year and is awaiting action by the Senate.
• The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (S. 2407/H.R. 4818)-This legislation would expand Medicare coverage of intensive behavioral therapy for obesity. The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the bill earlier this year.

Post-Election Expectations-Congress returns on November 12 to a lengthy list of action items, including funding the government beyond December 20^th and extending other expiring programs/authorizations. Expectations are low, however, as this Congress has been especially unproductive. As of the end of October, 106 bills have been signed into law during the 118th Congress, which is significantly fewer than other sessions in recent memory. In fact, every Congress over the past 30 years has seen at least 284 bills passed and signed into law, with an average of 401.5 new laws per Congress (not including the 118th Congress). A breakdown of the past fifteen meetings of Congress is below:

• 118th Congress (2023-2024): 106 (as of 11/3/2024)
• 117th Congress (2021-2022): 365
• 116th Congress (2019-2020): 344
• 115th Congress (2017-2018): 443
• 114th Congress (2015-2016): 329
• 113th Congress (2013-2014): 296
• 112th Congress (2011-2012): 284
• 111th Congress (2009-2010): 385
• 110th Congress (2007-2008): 460
• 109th Congress (2005-2006): 483
• 108th Congress (2003-2004): 504
• 107th Congress (2001-2002): 383
• 106th Congress (1999-2000): 604
• 105th Congress (1997-1998): 404
• 104th Congress (1995-1996): 337

 

House Members Introduce Bipartisan Doc Fix Legislation-A bipartisan group of House lawmakers have introduced legislation to avert the cut to the Medicare physician fee schedule (PFS) set to go into effect on January 1, 2025. The Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act (H.R.10073) was introduced by Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) alongside physician representatives Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-Iowa), Ami Bera, MD (D-Calif.), Larry Bucshon, MD (R-Ind.), Raul Ruiz, MD (D-Calif.), John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.). The legislation would provide a 4.73% payment update in 2025 to address the 2.83% PFS conversion factor (CF) cut and provide an additional update in an attempt to account for the cost of inflation. The 4.73% increase would expire at the end of 2025. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the calendar year (CY) 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule final rule on Friday. The regulation finalizes a CY 2025 CF of $32.3465, which reflects a 2.83% reduction relative to the 2024 conversion factor.

 

 

Democrats Urge CMS to Use Enforcement Authority Over MA Plans-Democratic leadership of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees have sent a letter to CMS outlining their ongoing concerns with Medicare Advantage (MA) plans’ use of prior authorization, deceptive marketing practices, and broker compensation structures. The lawmakers highlight the “many instances MA plans are failing to deliver, compromising timely access to care and undermining the ability of seniors and Americans with disabilities to purchase the coverage that’s right for them.” They call on CMS “to use every regulatory, oversight, and enforcement tool at the agency’s disposal to rein in rampant misuse of prior authorization, simplify the experience of choosing a Medicare plan, and put an end to rampant marketing abuses.”

 

 

Hassan, Cassidy Release Site-Neutral Legislative Framework-Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have released a legislative framework to establish site-neutral payments in off-campus hospital outpatient departments and for common outpatient services. The draft proposes to eliminate the grandfathering exception including in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, extending site-neutral payment policy to all hospital-owned sites of care away from the hospital’s main campus. The framework would also install a single reimbursement rate for common outpatient services according to the site where the procedure is most commonly performed. The savings produced from such changes would be used to reinvest in rural and safety net hospitals.

 

 

Warren Comments on Oncology MSO Acquisitions-Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to closely analyze proposed acquisitions in the oncology market, including McKesson Corporation’s $2.49 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in Core Ventures, and Cardinal Health’s $1.1 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in Integrated Oncology, two management services organizations (MSOs) that oversee 150 oncology practices across 11 states. Warren expresses concern that the deals will limit competition and restrict oncology practices from contracting with rival drug wholesalers. “By controlling oncology practices, Cardinal and McKesson can require affiliated practices to enter into sole-source or prime vendor agreements with their wholesale businesses, ‘lock[ing] them in as customers’ and effectively blocking competing wholesalers from offering their services,” the letter argues. She asks the FTC to carefully consider the proposed deals and block them if they violate antitrust law.

 

 

Blumenthal Pushes for Recall of Acne Treatments Containing Benzene –Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) is calling on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall and suspend sales of acne treatments recently found to contain the cancer-causing chemical benzene. A Connecticut-based independent laboratory alerted the agency earlier this year of dangerous levels of benzene in certain acne products, including Proactiv and Clearasil, along with more than 30 different creams and cleansers. Blumenthal requests that the agency clarify its benzene guidance; the FDA has said that it is working to verify the lab’s claims before acting.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.10038-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a pilot program on the provision of naloxone to veterans and their caregivers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: D’Esposito, Anthony [Rep.-R-NY-4]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.10039-To reauthorize the National Diabetes Prevention Program; Sponsor: De La Cruz, Monica [Rep.-R-TX-15]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10047-To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to award grants to support community-based programs for harm reduction services for individuals who use substances; Sponsor: Larsen, Rick [Rep.-D-WA-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10048-To prohibit the availability of Federal funds to institutions of higher education that conduct painful biomedical research on dogs and cats; Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.10050-To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on pharmacy benefit manager audit practices; Sponsor: Maloy, Celeste [Rep.-R-UT-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.10056-To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2025 through 2028; Sponsor: Stefanik, Elise M. [Rep.-R-NY-21]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.10058-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage for certain individual with breast or cervical cancer under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10060-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the provision of certain information with respect to breast reconstruction surgery under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.J.Res.217-Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to “Medicare Program; FY 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update, Hospice Conditions of Participation Updates, and Hospice Quality Reporting Program Requirements”; Sponsor: Palmer, Gary J. [Rep.-R-AL-6]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10071-To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary for Aging to make available to States, area agencies on aging, and service providers information and technical assistance to support the provision of evidence-informed practices that are likely to improve health outcomes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.10072-To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require reports to Congress on State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.10073-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase support for physicians and other practitioners in adjusting to Medicare payment changes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.10075-To prohibit an entity from receiving Federal funds if such entity provides to any person any medical or surgical intervention for the purpose of assisting an individual’s disassociation from his or her sex; Sponsor: Ogles, Andrew [Rep.-R-TN-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10077-To direct certain institutions of higher education to pay the medical costs of students who were diagnosed with certain diseases following a required COVID-19 vaccination, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rosendale, Matthew M. [Rep.-R-MT-2]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.10078-To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to establish within the Indian Health Service an Office of Graduate Medical Education Programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Stansbury, Melanie A. [Rep.-D-NM-1]; Committees: House-Natural Resources; Energy and Commerce

Health Professionals Running for Congress-As the 119^th Congress approaches, there will be a significant number of changes in the health professionals serving in the U.S. Congress. The following five health professionals are retiring from the House of Representatives at the end of this year:

• Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-TX-26)-OB/GYN
• Rep. Brad Wenstrup, DPM (R-OH-02)-Podiatrist
• Rep. Drew Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R-GA-03)-Dentist
• Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (R-IN-08)-Cardiothoracic Surgeon
• Rep. Cori Bush, RN (D-MO-01)-Registered Nurse

 

While these prominent health professionals are leaving Capitol Hill, there is still potential to see a record number of health professionals serving in Congress. Health professionals campaigning for House seats this election cycle include:

• ARIZONA: Amish Shah, MD (D)-Emergency physician running against incumbent Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ-01)
• INDIANA: Tim Peck, MD (D)-Emergency physician running against incumbent Erin Houchin (R-IN-09)
• KANSAS: Prasanth Reddy, MD (R)-Doctor of internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology running against incumbent Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS-03)
• MINNESOTA: Kelly Morrison, MD (D)-OB/GYN running against Tay Jude (R) for the MN-03 seat vacated by Rep. Dean Phillips (D)
• MISSOURI: Bob Onder, MD (R)-Allergist/immunologist running against Bethany Mann (D) for the MO-03 seat vacated by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R)
• NEW JERSEY: Herb Conaway, MD (D)-Doctor of internal medicine running against Rajesh Mohan (R) for the NJ-03 seat vacated by Rep. Andy Kim (D)
• OREGON: Maxine Dexter, MD (D)-Pulmonary and critical care physician running against Joanna Harbour (R) for the OR-03 seat vacated by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D)
• SOUTH CAROLINA: Sheri Biggs, DNP (R)-Family and mental health nurse practitioner running against Bryon Best (D) for the SC-03 seat vacated by Rep. Jeff Duncan (R)
• TEXAS: Mayra Flores (R)-Respiratory care practitioner running against incumbent Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, Jr. (D-TX-34)
• UTAH: Mike Kennedy, MD (R)-Family physician running against Glenn Wright (D) for the UT-03 seat vacated by Rep. John Curtis (R)
• WISCONSIN: Kristin Lyerly, MD (D)-OB/GYN running against Tony Wied (R) for the WI-08 seat vacated by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R)

 

Five health professionals currently serve in the U.S. Senate:

• Sen. John Barrasso, MD (R-WY)-Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Sen. John Boozman, OD (R-AR)-Optometrist
• Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-LA)-Gastroenterologist/Heptalogist
• Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (R-KS)-OB/GYN
• Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-KY)-Ophthalmologist

Senator John Barrasso, from Wyoming is the only Senate health professional in cycle this year; he is expected to retain his seat. Sen. Barrasso currently serves as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and plans to seek the #2 Republican leadership post in the 119^th Congress.

 

Health professionals bring unique insights to Congress, grounded in their experiences within the nation’s health care system. These candidates are poised to influence legislation that impacts millions of Americans.

 

Senate Democrats Question Pfizer, Eli Lilly on Telehealth Platforms-A group of Democratic senators led by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has sent letters to the CEOs of Pfizer and Eli Lilly inquiring as to whether the companies’ new advertising websites directing patients to telehealth platforms present a conflict of interest that could steer patients toward particular medications. The lawmakers express concern that such arrangements create “the potential for inappropriate prescribing that can increase spending for federal health care programs.” The letters request information about the specifics of the companies’ contracts with their telehealth platforms. They also ask for data on the percentage of patients who receive branded medications through the portals, and about the nature of patients’ visits with them. The letters were co-signed by Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

 

 

 

E&C GOP Examine HHS’ COVID-19 Public Health Campaign-Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have released a new report assessing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) “We Can Do This” COVID-19 public health campaign. The lawmakers characterize the public education campaign as a failure that led to a loss of public trust in HHS, and make the following recommendations:

• Congress should consider formally authorizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and clearly define the agency’s core mission.
• HHS and its agencies should abide by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) product labeling guidelines, and be barred from promoting information regarding an FDA-regulated product that does not reflect the FDA-approved label.
• Congress should consider clarifying responsibility for evaluating the safety of vaccines and streamline existing reporting systems for capturing vaccine injuries and adverse reactions.
• HHS and its agencies should embrace a culture of transparency and accountability.
• HHS and public health officials should not attempt to silence dissenting scientific opinions.
• HHS and its agencies should overhaul their website archival process to mimic that of prior White House administrations.

 

Democrats Submit Amicus Brief in Idaho EMTALA/Abortion Case-A group of 259 congressional Democrats are calling on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to rule that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) preempts conflicting abortion restrictions under state law. EMTALA requires hospitals that receive Medicare funding to provide stabilizing treatment to patients experiencing medical emergencies. The amicus brief urges the federal appeals court to affirm a lower court’s decision that EMTALA preempts an Idaho abortion ban that could otherwise lead to the prosecution of doctors who perform abortions in emergency situations. The lawmakers argue that EMTALA “makes clear that in situations in which a doctor determines that abortion constitutes the ‘[n]ecessary stabilizing treatment’ for a pregnant patient, federal law requires the hospital to offer it.” The Supreme Court sent the case back to the appeals court this summer.

 

 

 

NAM Welcomes 100 New Members-The National Academy of Medicine (NAM) announced the election of 100 new members during its annual meeting last week. New members are elected by current members through a process that recognizes individuals who have made major contributions to the advancement of the medical sciences, health care, and public health. The newly elected members bring NAM’s total membership to more than 2,400, including nearly 200 international members. The new class was praised by NAM President Victor J. Dzau as representing “the most exceptional researchers and leaders in health and medicine, who have made significant breakthroughs, led the response to major public health challenges, and advanced health equity.” More information on the newly elected NAM members can be found here.

 

GAO Makes 2024 PTAC Appointments-The Government Accountability Office (GAO) announced the appointment of two new members to the Physician-Focused Payment Model Technical Advisory Committee (PTAC) last week. The newly appointed members are Henish Bhansali, MD, FACP and Krishna Ramachandran, MBA, MS. Their terms will expire in 2027. Dr. Bhansali is board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine, and currently works as Chief Medical Officer for Medical Home Network, an organization that partners with federally qualified health centers, primary care associations, and clinically integrated networks to support success in value-based care. Mr. Ramachandran is Senior Vice President of Health Transformation and Provider Adoption at Blue Shield of California. In addition, current members Lawrence R. Kosinski, MD, MBA and Soujanya R. Pulluru, MD have been reappointed to PTAC. Their terms will also expire in 2027.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS AND MARKUPS

Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing “Reducing Prescription Drug Prices: How Competition Can Make Medications Affordable for Patients;” Chicago, IL; 10:00 a.m.; October 29

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.10012-To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Maloy, Celeste [Rep.-R-UT-2]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.10007-To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to authorize the admission of nonimmigrant emergency medical technicians and paramedics. Sponsor: Higgins, Clay [Rep.-R-LA-3]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.10006-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve transparency with respect to the suspension of Medicare payments pending an investigation into a credible allegation of fraud. Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.10000-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that sexual assault nurse examiners are employed at certain Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Burchett, Tim [Rep.-R-TN-2]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9997-To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. ‘Bud’ Lomell, Jr. VA Clinic, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.J.Res.216-Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services relating to “Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 and Updates to the IRF Quality Reporting Program”. Sponsor: Palmer, Gary J. [Rep.-R-AL-6]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1550-Designating October 23, 2024, as “AADC Deficiency Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.10030-To require hospitals, medical examiner offices, and coroner offices to report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission with respect to certain incidents involving the death or serious injury of a child, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

DEA Sends Telehealth Extension Regulation to OMB for Review-The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is expected to officially extend COVID-era flexibilities related to the prescribing of controlled substances via telemedicine. The agency recently sent a final rule titled “Third Temporary Extension of COVID-19 Telemedicine Flexibilities for Prescription of Controlled Substances” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. Rules must be cleared by OMB prior to being published in the Federal Register, but there is no minimum time period for this review. Earlier this year, it was reported that the DEA was considering restricting providers’ ability to prescribe certain drugs virtually going forward. Such reports received pushback from both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as well as advocates for telehealth and substance use disorder treatment on Capitol Hill. It remains unclear whether the latest extension will contain any new guardrails on the prescription of controlled substances via telemedicine, and for how long the extension will last.

 

 

Lawmakers Urge Leadership to Prevent Physician Pay Cut-A bipartisan group of 233 members of the House of Representatives have sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stressing the need for Congress to act to stop an impeding 2.8% cut to Medicare physician payments. The lawmakers highlight that Medicare payment rates have fallen by 29% over the last two decades when adjusting for the costs of running a practice. The letter urges congressional leadership to move legislation to provide a permanent, annual inflationary update in Medicare equivalent to the Medicare Economic Index and to enact targeted reforms to statutory Medicare Physician Fee Schedule budget neutrality requirements.

 

 

Senate Panel Releases Report on MA Coverage Denials-The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations released a majority staff report last week examining the barriers Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees face in accessing care, as well as the magnitude and scope of prior authorization requests and denials for particular types of care. The report is based on more than 280,000 pages of documents obtained by the panel from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and CVS, which together represent approximately 60% of all MA patients. The investigation revealed that the three companies each denied prior authorization requests for post-acute care at much higher rates than other types of care. The use of prior authorization also grew significantly between 2020 and 2022, at the same time each company began to rely on technology to further automate the prior authorization process. The report states that while the subcommittee continues to investigate the use of predictive technologies by MA insurers, “the data obtained so far is troubling regardless of whether the decisions reflected in the data were the result of predictive technology or human discretion,” and that it suggests “MA insurers are intentionally targeting a costly but critical area of medicine-substituting judgment about medical necessity with a calculation about financial gain.”

 

 

Turner, Tonko Inquire About Buprenorphine Access Barriers-Co-chairs of the Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus Reps. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.) are requesting information from certain health care stakeholders about access to treatment for opioid use disorder. The lawmakers have contacted dozens of hospitals, insurance plans, pharmacies, pharmacists, and providers about how to eliminate the barriers to accessing opioid use disorder medications that have arisen since passage of the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act in 2022. The lawmakers intend for the inquiry to inform future legislation.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of Members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1540-Thanking and promoting the professions of perinatal nurses by encouraging participation in National Perinatal Nurses Week; Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1541-Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the relationships among firearm violence, misogyny, and violence against women, and reaffirming the importance of preventing individuals with a history of violence against women from accessing a firearm; Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.9962-To establish a Gun Safety Board, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeSaulnier, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-10]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9974-To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the health care benefits available for Gold Star surviving spouses; Sponsor: Kaptur, Marcy [Rep.-D-OH-9]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9975-To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on insurance coverage of dyspraxia/developmental coordination disorder; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.9977-To direct the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide assistance for individuals affected by exposure to Agent Orange, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Barbara [Rep.-D-CA-12]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs; Foreign Affairs; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9979-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a process for externally led, science-focused drug development meetings, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9982-To require the Office of Children’s Health Protection to be maintained within the Environmental Protection Agency, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Nadler, Jerrold [Rep.-D-NY-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1544-Expressing support for the designation of September 22, 2024, as “National Hispanic Nurses Day” and recognizing the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as the leading organization representing and advocating for Hispanic nurses; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9996-To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the laws relating to patient advocacy for patients who receive health care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Yakym, Rudy [Rep.-R-IN-2]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

Policymakers Spotlight GLP-1 Counterfeits, Costs-A bipartisan group of House Energy and Commerce Committee members have sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting a briefing from the agency about the presence of counterfeit Ozempic and other similar products in the nation’s medical supply chain. The lawmakers express concerns about potential gaps in supply chain security infrastructure, citing reports of the availability of counterfeit Ozempic injection products in both the legitimate supply chain and also via illegal channels. The letter requests a committee staff briefing from the agency by October 22.

 

In related news, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that Medicare coverage of anti-obesity drugs would cost the program $35 billion over the next nine years. Were Medicare to expand coverage to include weight-loss treatments, CBO found that more than 12.5 million beneficiaries would be eligible for the drugs. The agency also stated its expectation that semaglutide would be selected for government price negotiations in 2025 because of its high cost to the Medicare Part D program. The Inflation Reduction Act required drugs be approved by the FDA for at least seven years prior to inclusion in the drug price negotiation program, and Ozempic, the first approved semaglutide product, will have been on the market for seven years by January 2025. Currently, Medicare is statutorily prohibited from paying for weight-loss drugs, though the program covers GLP-1s for other conditions.

 

Prior Authorization Bills Secure Bipartisan Majority Support-The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 8702) has surpassed 218 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. This critical milestone means that the bill has secured support from a bipartisan majority of the chamber. The Senate bill (S.4532) previously achieved bipartisan majority support with the endorsement of 55 senators. The bill, which would streamline and standardize the use of prior authorization by Medicare Advantage plans, was unanimously passed by the House of Representatives in the 117th Congress but has not yet passed in the House or Senate in the 118th Congress.

 

Warren Raises Concerns About Novo Nordisk Merger-Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is urging the Federal Trade Commission to closely scrutinize Novo Nordisk’s proposed merger with health contract development and manufacturing organization Catalent. Warren expresses concerns that the merger could reduce competition and result in higher prices for patients. “I am concerned that Novo Nordisk’s merger with Catalent will give Novo Nordisk unprecedented visibility into and control over its competitor’s production capacity, costs, and business practices, and the ability to preference its own products and obstruct its competitors’ use of Catalent to produce GLP-1 drugs,” Warren writes. She goes on to cite examples of Novo Nordisk’s prior efforts to restrict competition and maximize profits on these drugs.

 

Wyden Asks DOJ to Investigate Residential Treatment Centers-Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate whether youth residential treatment facilities (RTFs) are providing adequate care to Medicaid beneficiaries. Wyden cites evidence of potential Medicaid fraud and civil rights violations uncovered by a two-year Finance Committee investigation into four RTF operators. The investigation found that children suffer “routine harms inside RTFs, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, unsafe and unsanitary conditions, inadequate provision of behavioral health treatment, and substandard educational activities.” Wyden asserts that this risk of harm to children in RTFs “is endemic to the operating model: to maximize per diem margins, RTF providers often offer minimal therapeutic treatment in deficient physical settings, understaffing and failing to train staff,” and that despite advertising short to medium-term duration stays, that children sometimes remain in facilities for many years. He refers the findings to the DOJ for consideration by the agency.

 

CMS Releases RFI on $2 Drug List Model-The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a request for information and a sample list of prescription drugs that the agency preliminarily intends to include under the proposed Medicare $2 Drug List Model. The model stems from President Biden’s Executive Order 14087, “Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Americans” and will allow Part D beneficiaries to access certain generic drugs for a fixed copayment of no more than $2 for a month’s supply per drug. Participation in the model would be voluntary for Part D sponsors and could start as early as January 2027. The deadline to respond to the RFI is December 9, 2024.

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1531-Expressing support for designation of the week of October 6, 2024, through October 12, 2024, as “Latex Allergy Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.9916-To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study relating to 1-800-MEDICARE; Sponsor: De La Cruz, Monica [Rep.-R-TX-15]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9924-To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish standard practices for a grant or pilot program administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs through the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9929-To provide funding to the Bureau of Prisons, States, and localities to carry out mental health screenings and provide referrals to mental healthcare providers for certain corrections officers; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.9938-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a time-limited conditional approval pathway, subject to specific obligations, for certain drugs and biological products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Westerman, Bruce [Rep.-R-AR-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9939-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, to conduct a study on existing efforts of hospitals with respect to electronic automated referrals for purposes of organ donation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wittman, Robert J. [Rep.-R-VA-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1539-Recognizing the roles and the contributions of United States certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives in providing high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective health care services to women and childbearing families; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9942-To support the development, licensing, and initial manufacturing of a human vaccine for valley fever; Sponsor: Duarte, John S. [Rep.-R-CA-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

Senators Maintain Spotlight on Steward Healthcare-A group of Massachusetts Democrats have sent a letter to the CEO of Rural Healthcare Group regarding the company’s acquisition of Steward Health Care’s physician group Stewardship Health. “We are concerned about the risks to Massachusetts residents and health professionals, who are still suffering from the private equity-induced damage of Steward’s collapse, if they were now at the mercy of another private equity firm intent on squeezing more profits out of our health care system,” the letter states. The lawmakers also express concerns about Rural Healthcare’s association with the software company NaviHealth, which is owned by UnitedHealth Group. NaviHealth is currently the subject of a class action lawsuit concerning its work to develop algorithms used by insurers to deny patient health care claims.

 

In related news, Dr. Ralph de la Torre, who was recently ousted as CEO of Steward, is suing the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee over the panel’s vote to hold him in contempt for refusing to testify before the committee about the impact of Steward’s bankruptcy on patients. The lawsuit argues that HELP violated de la Torre’s Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination by threatening him with “criminal retribution” and “public humiliation.” De la Torre is asking the federal court to declare all actions related to enforcement of the HELP subpoena invalid and unconstitutional.

 

 

Comer Subpoenas HHS on Development of Alcohol Consumption Guidelines-House Oversight and Accountability Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) is subpoenaing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for documents related to the development of 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Some lawmakers have expressed concern in recent months about a potential anti-alcohol bias at HHS. “Despite USDA’s shared responsibility for formulating the Dietary Guidelines and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine directive to study alcohol intake and health, HHS appears to be taking improper authority over the development of the alcohol consumption guidelines,” a press release from the committee states. The subpoena follows previous requests from the panel regarding recommendations related to alcohol consumption in which the administration failed to produce the requested documents.

 

 

GAO Releases New Report on Hospital Price Transparency-The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a new report concluding that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is in need of more information on hospital pricing data completeness and accuracy. The report examines implementation of hospital price reporting requirements, which first went into effect in 2021. GAO found that despite assessing more than $4 million in civil monetary penalties to 14 hospitals that failed to comply with the reporting requirements, CMS does not have a way to assure that the information provided by hospitals is sufficiently complete and accurate. In response to the new GAO report, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) reiterated her commitment to working with the Senate to enact the House-passed Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 5378) before the end of the year.

 

 

Republicans Investigate ARPA-H Compliance with Civil Rights Laws-Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce and Education and the Workforce committees have written to Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Director Renee Wegrzyn regarding ARPA-H’s research funding process. The lawmakers highlight the rise in antisemitism on college and university campuses, and request information about how ARPA-H is ensuring that institutions and individuals funded by its research projects comply with Title VI to ensure a harassment and discrimination-free environment. The lawmakers request a response from Wegrzyn by October 16.

 

 

Markey, Booker Urge FDA to Ban Phthalates from Food Contact Materials-Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to restrict the use of phthalates in food contact materials (FCM). The letter details the evidence of harm stemming from exposure to phthalates, especially brain development in infants and children. “The FDA can revoke its authorizations for the use of phthalates in FCM independently or in response to formal requests filed by citizens,” the lawmakers state, “so we urge the FDA to revoke the regulations allowing phthalates in FCMs-either of its own volition or by granting pending objections and reconsidering its denial of the 2016 phthalates food additive petition and citizen petition.”

 

 

Congressional Staff Start New AI Policy Group-Congressional staffers have launched a new working group on issues related to artificial intelligence. The Congressional Staff Association on Artificial Intelligence (CSA.ai) is an official, bi-cameral, non-partisan organization whose mission “is to ensure that congressional staff are well-equipped to respond to the challenges and opportunities that AI presents.” Later this month, CSA.ai will hold the first event in a monthly speaker series titled “AI and the Rule of Law: Empowering Congressional Staff for Future Policy Challenges.” More information about the group can be found here.

 

 

CBO Releases New Part D Projections-The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that temporary subsidies announced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this year to offset Medicare Part D premiums will increase federal spending by $5 billion next year. This will also lead to an increase of $2 billion in net spending on interest over the next decade. CBO’s projections come in response to a request from Republican committee leaders on the House and Senate Budget committees, the Senate Finance Committee, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the House Ways and Means Committee.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1521-Expressing support for the designation of September 30, 2024, as “Rare Cancer Day” to highlight the challenges patients with rare cancers face and to raise awareness and support efforts to improve early diagnosis and treatment; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9864-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of food packaging containing intentionally added PFAS, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9865-To amend title 10, United States Code, to ensure that members of the Armed Forces and their families have access to the contraception they need in order to promote the health and readiness of all members of the Armed Forces; Sponsor: Escobar, Veronica [Rep.-D-TX-16]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9866-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on contraceptive access at community health centers in health care deserts; Sponsor: Hinson, Ashley [Rep.-R-IA-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9870-To improve the provision of benefits and services to members of the Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House-Armed Services; Oversight and Accountability; Veterans’ Affairs; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9871-To establish grants to combat opioid trafficking; Sponsor: Larsen, Rick [Rep.-D-WA-2]; Committees: House-Judiciary

 

H.R.9872-To establish a program to address sickle cell disease and other heritable hemoglobinopathies; Sponsor: Lee, Barbara [Rep.-D-CA-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9874-To prohibit the performance of gender-related medical treatment on minors, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit payment and participation under the Medicare program with respect to such treatment, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9879-To amend the Controlled Substances Act to clarify how controlled substance analogues that are imported or offered for import are to be regulated, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.9882-To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to permit States to apply a work requirement for nondisabled, nonelderly, nonpregnant adults under Medicaid; Sponsor: Rosendale, Matthew M. [Rep.-R-MT-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9886-To require the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to temporarily exempt buprenorphine from the Suspicious Orders Report System for the remainder of the opioid public health emergency; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.Res.1527-Recognizing October 2024 as “American Pharmacists Month” in honor of the contribution of pharmacists to provide safe, accessible, affordable, and beneficial patient care services and products to all residents and protect the public health of our communities; Sponsor: Green, Mark E. [Rep.-R-TN-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9907-To provide for a comprehensive Federal response to Long COVID, including research, education, and support for affected individuals, to direct the National Institutes of Health to establish a Long COVID research program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Omar, Ilhan [Rep.-D-MN-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce

Congresses Extends Government Funding Through Dec. 20-Congress successfully passed a continuing resolution (H.R.9747) extending government funding through December 20. The measure, which maintains funding at current levels, passed the Senate by a vote of 78-18 on Wednesday, after the House advanced the bill by a vote of 341-82 earlier in the day. Following passage of the stopgap spending bill, Congress recessed early to return to the campaign trail. Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Capitol Hill after the election on November 12. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has offered assurances that Congress will not rely on an end of year omnibus bill this year, some congressional appropriators have expressed skepticism about being able to avoid a large spending package. Lawmakers are scheduled to be in session for a short five-week lame duck period ahead of the December 20 deadline.

 

 

 

House Passes Slate of Health Care Legislation-The House of Representatives passed a number of bipartisan health care related bills last week, setting them up for further action by the Senate or possible inclusion in an end of year package:

• R.3433, Give Kids a Chance Act of 2024
• R.2706, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
• R.3884, Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023
• R.8108, To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to the determination of residency of certain individuals serving in the Armed Forces
• R.6829, Cardiomyopathy Health Education, Awareness, and Research, and AED Training in the Schools (HEARTS) Act of 2024
• R.5526, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act of 2024

 

The chamber also passed three bills that previously passed the Senate and will now be sent to the President for his signature: S.1549, Congressional Budget Office Data Access Act, S.134, Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act, S.133, National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization Action.

 

 

Congress Passes Congenital Heart Disease Research Bill-The House and Senate passed legislation (H.R.7189) last week reauthorizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s congenital heart disease research program through fiscal year 2029. The Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024 passed the chamber by unanimous consent. The bill will now be sent to the President’s desk for his signature.

 

 

Senate Votes to Hold Steward CEO in Criminal Contempt-The Senate voted last week to hold the CEO of Steward Health Care in criminal contempt for his failure to comply with the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee’s subpoena to appear before the panel and testify about the company’s bankruptcy. The resolution passed via unanimous consent. It is the first time in 50 years the Senate has passed a resolution to hold someone in criminal contempt. As a result of the vote, Dr. Ralph de la Torre will be referred for criminal prosecution to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia.

 

 

Senate GOP Blocks Consideration of Emergency Abortion Bill-Senate Republicans blocked consideration of a resolution (S. Res.828) last week expressing the sense of the Senate that every patient has the right to emergency health care, including abortion care. The vote on the resolution, introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), is a part of Senate Democrats’ effort to highlight Republicans’ stance on issues related to reproductive rights ahead of the November elections. In related news, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has sent letters to eight hospitals regarding their compliance with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). Wyden cites reports of cases in which the hospitals have refused to provide, or delayed, emergency abortion care to patients. The hospitals are all located in states with narrow bans on abortion.

 

 

Doc Caucus Details Year-End Priorities-The House GOP Doctors Caucus is prioritizing inclusion of policies championed by retiring members Brad Wenstrup, DPM (Ohio), Michael Burgess, MD (Texas), and Larry Bucshon, MD (Ind.) in a year-end health package. The key pieces of legislation include the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R.5378), the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (H.R.4818), the Preventive Health Savings Act (H.R.766), and the Improving Senior’s Timely Access to Care Act (H.R.8702). During a recent Doc Caucus policy forum, the lawmakers predicted that an impeding 2.8% Medicare physician reimbursement cut would be averted by a short-term fix but acknowledged the need for long-term reform that could include an inflationary payment update and increase the budget-neutrality threshold. Looking forward to the 119^th Congress, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, MD (R-Iowa) stated that the caucus would continue its work to put “patients first, not insurance companies, not pharmaceutical companies, not pharmacy benefit managers.”

 

 

 

Senators Urge Leadership to Act to Extend Telehealth Flexibilities-A bipartisan group of senators have sent a letter to Senate leadership urging them to act quickly to preserve patient access to telehealth flexibilities first instituted in response to the COVID pandemic. “If budget constraints make permanent policy out of reach, given the significant costs required to ramp up and provide high quality telehealth programs, Congress must provide the maximum extension possible at an adequate length for providers to make necessary investments,” Sens. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) write. The letter also endorses payment parity between in-person and virtual care for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics. Relatedly, Sen. Warner and Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) have confirmed that they are working to draft legislation that extends flexibilities around the prescribing of controlled substances via telemedicine. The lawmakers have expressed concerns about recent reporting around a forthcoming regulation from the Drug Enforcement Administration that may restrict access to certain treatments without an in-person patient visit to the prescriber.

 

 

 

Democrats Probe Weight Loss Drug Pricing-The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released a majority staff report last week titled “Novo Nordisk’s Untenable Drug Pricing Strategy in America: Greed, Greed, Greed.” The report compares Novo Nordisk’s claims regarding its pricing strategy to information provided by health insurance plans and other stakeholders in the supply chain, concluding that the high prices of Ozempic and Wegovy cannot be justified by the need to fund future R&D and that Novo Nordisk’s high prices in the U.S. stem from “excessive corporate greed.” The report was released in conjunction with the Committee’s hearing on the price of Ozempic and Wegovy during which the panel heard testimony from Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen. Jorgensen defended his company’s pricing methodology, arguing that lowering the list prices of Ozempic and Wegovy could make them harder to access because of the way the U.S. health care system is structured. The HELP majority staff report includes letters from the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers, who pledge that a list price reduction would not negatively impact formulary placement for Ozempic and Wegovy.

 

In related news, a bicameral group of Democrats have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging Secretary Xavier Becerra to issue generic licenses for semaglutide, the active ingredient in weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. The lawmakers argue that the government “has the clear authority to license generic competition on any patented invention used or manufactured by or for the United States” under its competitive licensing authority at 28 U.S.C. Section 1498. “You have the opportunity and responsibility to dramatically improve health care access and achieve substantial taxpayer savings by using Section 1498 to authorize generic competitors to Ozempic and Wegovy,” the letter states. “We strongly urge you to use your clear statutory authority and stand ready to assist in your efforts to deliver long overdue relief to American taxpayers and consumers.”

 

 

 

Wenstrup Issues Medical Supply Chain RFI-Reps. Brad Wenstrup DPM, (R-Ohio), Blake Moore (R-Utah), and August Pfluger (R-Texas) are requesting information on policies to secure and enhance domestic medical supply chains. The request for information (RFI) highlights the need for U.S. supply chains to be free from dependency on foreign adversaries as well as from foreign adversary interference and manipulation and solicits feedback on how Congress can better ensure the nation’s safety and security through strengthening U.S. medical supply chains. Responses should be submitted by October 4 to [email protected].

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	Gonzalez-Colon (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1479-Expressing support for the goals and ideas of “National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month” and “World Hydrocephalus Day”; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1481-Expressing support for the recognition of September 2024 as “National Children’s Emotional Wellness Month” and for increased public awareness regarding children’s emotional health and wellness; Sponsor: Kim, Young [Rep.-R-CA-40]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9720-To direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to update the national vulnerability database to reflect vulnerabilities to artificial intelligence systems, study the need for voluntary reporting related to artificial intelligence security and safety incidents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9737-To improve the tracking and processing of security and safety incidents and risks associated with artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology; Homeland Security; Intelligence (Permanent Select); Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.9740-To direct the Secretary of Defense to increase the maximum amount of contraceptive supplies provided to a beneficiary through the TRICARE Program; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9741-To direct the Secretary of Defense to ensure that beneficiaries and health care providers receive certain information regarding reproductive health care under the TRICARE program; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

S.Res.837-An original resolution authorizing the President of the Senate to certify the report of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate regarding the refusal of Dr. Ralph de la Torre to appear and testify before the Committee; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.840-A resolution supporting the designation of the week of September 15 through September 21, 2024, as “Telehealth Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Schatz, Brian [Sen.-D-HI]; Latest Action: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.Res.841-A resolution designating September 2024 as “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Manchin, Joe, III [Sen.-I-WV]; Latest Action: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.5141-A bill to provide for health coverage with no cost-sharing for additional breast screenings for certain individuals at greater risk for breast cancer; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5142-A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the national program for traumatic brain injury surveillance and registries; Sponsor: Helmy, George S. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Con.Res.129-Supporting the designation of the week of September 22 through September 28, 2024, as “National Fall Prevention Awareness Week” to raise awareness about, and encourage the prevention of, falls among older adults; Sponsor: Frankel, Lois [Rep.-D-FL-22]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9747-Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House-Appropriations; Budget

 

S.Res.846-A resolution commemorating the 30th anniversary of the eradication of wild poliovirus from the Americas; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate-Foreign Relations

 

S.5146-A bill to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to schools of medicine or osteopathic medicine at historically Black colleges and universities and other minority-serving institutions for the purpose of increasing enrollment of medical students; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5150-A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission, with the concurrence of the Secretary of Health and Human Services acting through the Surgeon General, to implement a mental health warning label on social media platforms, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Britt, Katie Boyd [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate-Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.5153-A bill to amend the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 to modify the definition of hemp, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate-Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

 

S.5154-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify payment rules for manual wheelchairs under part B of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5163-A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an income tax credit for eldercare expenses; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

H.Res.1494-Recognizing the threat of air pollution and extreme heat to maternal and infant health, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that meaningful interventions must be rapidly and equitably developed and deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities of pregnancy in Latino communities; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1495-Expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as “Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month” in order to educate communities across the United States about sickle cell disease and the need for research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions related to sickle cell disease; Sponsor: Davis, Danny K. [Rep.-D-IL-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9773-To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate copayments by the Department of Veterans Affairs for medicines relating to preventive health services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9774-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.9778-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include penicillin allergy verification and evaluation as part of the initial preventive physical examination under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Bucshon, Larry [Rep.-R-IN-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9782-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study and report on the relationship between hair straighteners and uterine cancer, particularly among women of color; Sponsor: Clarke, Yvette D. [Rep.-D-NY-9]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9785-To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to Congress an annual report on biomedical research funded by the United States and performed in China; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Agriculture

 

H.R.9790-To amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the regulation of critical parts of tableting machines and encapsulating machines, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Stansbury, Melanie A. [Rep.-D-NM-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

S.Res.861-A resolution expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as “Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month” in order to educate communities across the United States about sickle cell disease and the need for research, early detection methods, effective treatments, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell disease and conditions related to sickle cell disease; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.867-A resolution designating September 2024 as “National Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Rubio, Marco [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.5164-A bill to extend the temporary scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.5173-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of critical access hospital services furnished by a critical access hospital located in a noncontiguous State; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5180-A bill to amend subtitle A of title XX of the Social Security Act to fund additional projects that focus on competency-based training for personal or home care aides, and for other purposes; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5182-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require the collection of information regarding social determinants of health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5184-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a floor on payments to sole community hospitals located in a non-contiguous State under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5189-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive certain distance requirements for certain hospitals electing to be designated as critical access hospitals; Sponsor: Fischer, Deb [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5194-A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5203-A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on best practices for screening and treatment of congenital syphilis under Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Heinrich, Martin [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5206-A bill to require a report on foreign investment in the pharmaceutical industry of the United States; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate-Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.5210-A bill to improve mental health services of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tester, Jon [Sen.-D-MT]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5217-A bill to amend title 10, United States Code, to eliminate cost-sharing requirements for behavioral health care under TRICARE Reserve Select; Sponsor: Fetterman, John [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Armed Services

 

S.5218-A bill to amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to strengthen, increase oversight of, and compliance with, security standards for health information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5222-A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to implement a pandemic preparedness and response program using artificial intelligence; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5226-A bill to establish a program to address sickle cell disease and other heritable hemoglobinopathies; Sponsor: Van Hollen, Chris [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5228-A bill to require the use of prescription drug monitoring programs; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5236-A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to enhance financial support for rural and safety net hospitals providing maternity, labor, and delivery services to vulnerable populations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5243-A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of cannabis and cannabinoid products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5248-A bill to require hospitals participating in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program to inquire whether a patient is a citizen or national of the United States, or in a satisfactory immigration status, as part of the patient admission and registration process, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Mike [Sen.-R-UT]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5255-A bill to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to submit to Congress an annual report on biomedical research funded by the United States and performed in China; Sponsor: Ernst, Joni [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate-Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.5260-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make certain information available on a public website relating to intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities certified for participation under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Mark [Sen.-D-AZ]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5262-A bill to address maternity care shortages and promote optimal maternity outcomes by expanding access to birth centers and exploring more effective payment models for birth center care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5269-A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a commission to review operations at the Veterans Health Administration and submit to Congress reports with respect to that review, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5271-A bill to require the Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration to temporarily exempt buprenorphine from the Suspicious Orders Report System for the remainder of the opioid public health emergency; Sponsor: Heinrich, Martin [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.5275-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to facilitate patient access to certain pediatric technologies; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5278-A bill to provide additional authorities for the leadership of the United States Agency for International Development in health technology innovation for global health in low-resource settings, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Foreign Relations

 

S.5279-A bill to require the head of each agency to establish a plan relating to the safety of Federal employees and contractors physically present at certain worksites during a nationwide public health emergency declared for an infectious disease, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate-Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

H.Res.1502-Expressing support for the designation of October 1, 2024, as “National Latino Physician Day”; Sponsor: Caraveo, Yadira [Rep.-D-CO-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1505-Expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as “National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Month”, and raising awareness and understanding of polycystic kidney disease; Sponsor: Cleaver, Emanuel [Rep.-D-MO-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1508-Supporting the designation of September 2024 as “National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability

 

H.Res.1511-Expressing support for the designation of September 2024 as “National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Hunt, Wesley [Rep.-R-TX-38]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1514-Recognizing that cancer patients have the right to receive care that ensures effective prevention, early diagnosis, improved outcomes, optimal patient rehabilitation, and affordable health care; Sponsor: Napolitano, Grace F. [Rep.-D-CA-31]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1518-Supporting the goals and ideals of “Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9796-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to jointly award grants for the purposes of improving access to, developing, or expanding services that provide an individual with transportation to or from substance use disorder treatment or supportive services; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Financial Services

 

H.R.9802-To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to verify whether a health care provider is licensed in good standing before issuing the provider a unique health identifier, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9803-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure the integrity of hospice care furnished under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenauer, Earl [Rep.-D-OR-3]; Committees: House-Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9805-To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a process to expand access to claims data under certain Federal health plans in order to facilitate research and quality improvement; Sponsor: Bucshon, Larry [Rep.-R-IN-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9807-To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a grant program to provide surge capacity for providers faced with increased unmet need for contraceptive care; Sponsor: Caraveo, Yadira [Rep.-D-CO-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9812-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to States to establish, increase the availability of, and improve access to, qualified health care programs to increase and strengthen the health care workforce in such States; Sponsor: Comer, James [Rep.-R-KY-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9813-To require the head of each agency to establish a plan relating to the safety of Federal employees and contractors physically present at certain worksites during a nationwide public health emergency declared for an infectious disease, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Connolly, Gerald E. [Rep.-D-VA-11]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability; Budget

 

H.R.9817-To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to update and clarify its rule on substances generally recognized as safe, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9823-To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to waive certain distance requirements for certain hospitals electing to be designated as critical access hospitals; Sponsor: Flood, Mike [Rep.-R-NE-1]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.9828-To amend the Public Health Service Act to end the liability shield for vaccine manufacturers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gosar, Paul A. [Rep.-R-AZ-9]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9840-To prohibit life insurance providers from discriminating based on a person’s status as a living kidney donor, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House-Financial Services

 

H.R.9842-To amend the Public Health Service Act to maintain the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9849-To amend the Public Health Service Act to address the shortage of medical laboratory personnel, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9855-To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify authorities relating to the collective bargaining of employees in the Veterans Health Administration; Sponsor: Takano, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-39]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

Government Funding Update-On Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) released a new continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government though December 20. The House is expected to vote on the CR mid-week followed by the Senate. This effort follows last week’s failed attempt to pass Speaker Johnson’s stopgap spending bill which would have funded the federal government through March 28, 2025, and included a provision to require voters to show proof of citizenship (H.R.8281). The bill failed on the House floor in a 202-220 vote, with 14 Republicans voting in opposition and two Republicans voting present. Democrats Don Davis (N.C.), Jared Golden (Maine), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) voted in support of the legislation. Lawmakers have until the end of the fiscal year on September 30 to pass government funding legislation and avoid a federal government shutdown. The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon to consider the Continuing Appropriations And Extensions Act, 2025 which also extends certain health and veterans funding that would otherwise expire on September 30. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has taken steps to prepare a legislative vehicle for the Senate to lead on advancing a clean CR should the House fail to do so.

 

In the event of a shutdown, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 2024 contingency plan would furlough 45% of the Department’s staff. The Department would use carryover balances, third-party funding, and user fees to maintain COVID surveillance and drug development efforts; carryover balances would also be used by the Health Resources and Services Administration to keep programs running for a limited amount of time. The National Institutes of Health Clinical Center would operate at 90% of its normal patient load to continue to provide treatment for existing patients.

 

 

 

House Passes Slate of Health Care Legislation-The House of Representatives passed a number of health care related bills last week, setting them up for possible inclusion in an end of year package.

• The LIVE Beneficiaries Act (H.R.8084) was passed by voice vote.
• The Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R.3800) was passed by voice vote.
• The TELEMH Act (H.R.7858) was passed by voice vote.
• The Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (H.R.4758) was passed by voice vote.
• The Dennis John Benigno Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act (H.R.7208) was passed by voice vote.
• The Medicaid Program Improvement Act (H.R.8111) was passed by voice vote.
• The Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act (H.R.8089) was passed by voice vote.
• The SPEAK Act (H.R.6033) was passed by voice vote.
• The BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Reauthorization Act (H.R.7218) was passed by voice vote.
• The SIREN Reauthorization Act (S.265) was passed by voice vote.
• The Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act (S.4351) was passed by voice vote.
• The DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act (H.R.7406) was passed by voice vote.
• The Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act (H.R.4424) was passed by voice vote.
• R.6160, to reauthorize a lifespan respite care program, was passed by voice vote.
• R.8112, to require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program, was passed by voice vote.
• The Autism CARES Act (H.R.7213) was passed by a 402-13 vote.

 

 

 

E&C Marks Up Telehealth Extension and Other Health Bills-The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a markup last week to consider 16 pieces of legislation. Among the measures passed by the panel was a bill (H.R.7623) to extend COVID-era telehealth flexibilities for two years. The Telehealth Modernization Act extends flexibilities, including those related to geographic and originating site restrictions, practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services, telehealth services for federally qualified health centers and rural health clinics, and the furnishing of audio-only telehealth services, through December 31, 2026. Such flexibilities are currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2024. The package is offset by provisions to reform the pharmacy benefit manager industry. The bill passed by a vote of 41-0. The other health-related bills considered by the committee include:

• H.R.8107,Ensuring Access to Medicaid Buy-in Programs Act, advanced by a vote of 43 to 0.

• H.R.8108, to add a Medicaid State plan requirement with respect to the determination of residency of certain individuals serving in the Armed Forces, advanced by a vote of 42 to 0.

• H.R.3433,Give Kids a Chance Act, advanced by a vote of 43 to 0. H.R.7155, United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act, was included in the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R.3433.

• H.R.7188,Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act, advanced by a vote of 40-0.

• H.R.3227,Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act, advanced by a vote of 20 to 18.

• H.R.9067,Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act, advanced by a vote of 23 to 17.

 

 

Senate GOP Blocks Consideration of IVF Bill-Senate Republicans again blocked consideration of legislation (S.4445) to create a legal right for patients to access and providers to use fertility treatments last week. The Right to IVF Act would also provide for coverage of fertility treatments for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and for members of the uniformed services and veterans, as well as require private insurers that cover obstetrical services to also cover fertility treatments. The 51-44 vote fell short of the 60-vote threshold necessary for consideration of legislation on the Senate floor. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) joined Democrats in voting in support of the bill. The same legislation was blocked by Senate Republicans in June by a 48-47 vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) intended for the votes to highlight Republicans’ stance on issues related to reproductive rights ahead of the November elections. Republicans have argued that the measure is unnecessary and overly broad.

 

 

 

HELP Votes to Hold Steward CEO in Contempt-The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to hold the CEO of Steward Healthcare in contempt of Congress last week. The vote followed Dr. Ralph de la Torre’s refusal to comply with a subpoena to appear before the committee to discuss Steward’s bankruptcy and the subsequent impact on patients. The panel voted 20-0 on two resolutions: the first instructs the Senate legal counsel to bring a civil suit compelling de la Torre to testify; the second refers the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia to criminally prosecute de la Torre for failing to honor the subpoena. The pair of resolutions will now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

 

 

 

Senators Press DOD About Reliance on Foreign Pharmaceuticals-A bipartisan group of senators led by Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin regarding the Department’s reliance on foreign pharmaceutical products. The lawmakers express concerns about the impact of a 2020 court decision loosening Buy American requirements for federal agency purchasing decisions on the military drug supply chain. “As witnessed by the COVID-19 pandemic, an over-reliance on foreign countries for critical materials, including pharmaceuticals, leaves the U.S. vulnerable to international supply shocks,” the lawmakers argue. The letter was signed by Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). They request information about the Department of Defense’s pharmaceutical acquisition strategy by September 30.

 

 

Democrats Push for Extension of Enhanced Premium Tax Credits-A bicameral group of Democrats have written to congressional leadership urging them to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act health insurance premium tax credits, which are currently set to expire at the end of the year. The lawmakers warn that if the tax credits are allowed to expire “over 20 million Americans will see a sudden increase in their health insurance costs, an estimated three million Americans could lose their health insurance entirely and nearly nine million people will pay more-roughly $406 per person-for coverage.” The letter was led by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and signed by 195 congressional Democrats.

 

 

Harris Elected New House Freedom Caucus Chairman-Rep. Andy Harris, M.D. (R-Md.) has been elected as the leader of the House Freedom Caucus through the end of this year. He will replace Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), who lost his primary race earlier this year. Harris currently chairs the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture-FDA, where he has sought steep cuts to the Food and Drug Administration. Harris will have to run again in December when the Caucus elects their chair for the 119^th Congress.

 

 

 

AHRQ Releases Report to Congress on Sepsis-The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has issued a new report to Congress on the burden of sepsis in U.S. hospital care. According to the report, the number of sepsis-related inpatient stays at non-federal acute care hospitals in the United States increased from 1.8 million in 2016 to 2.5 million in 2021. The report comes in response to the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which directed AHRQ to conduct a comprehensive set of studies related to sepsis. AHRQ examines sepsis among all patients as well as among specific patient populations, including adults, pregnant women, children, and newborns.  The agency also explores the association of pandemic-related changes in the health care system with the burden of sepsis. The report details how COVID-19 led to a noticeable rise in sepsis-related hospitalizations, hospital costs, and in-hospital mortality, particularly for patients with a COVID diagnosis. In related news, the Food and Drug Administration is expected to release new guidance on sepsis screening for potential tissue donors in the coming weeks.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	González-Colón (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?” 10:00 a.m.; September 24

 

Senate Finance Committee hearing “Chaos and Control: How Trump Criminalized Women’s Health Care;” 10:00 a.m.; September 24

 

House Veterans’ Affairs oversight hearing “Everyday Heroes: Supporting the Veteran Caregiver Community;” 10:15 a.m.; September 25

 

Senate HELP Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety hearing “Reading the Room: Preparing Workers for AI;” 2:00 p.m.; September 25

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing “Ensuring Timely Access: Challenges in VA Scheduling;” 9:00 a.m.; September 26

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session to consider S.2305,Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act;S.2780,Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act;S.4436,Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act;S.4583,Creating Hope Reauthorization Act;S._,Medical Graduate Investment Act;andS.5103,Food and Drug Administration Foods Accountability Act;10:00 a.m.; September 26

 

Senate Judiciary Committee executive session to consider the PREVAIL Act (S.2220), Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (S.2140); and IDEA Act (S.2713); 10:00 a.m.; September 26

 

Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Superfund, Waste Management, and Regulatory Oversight hearing to examine the public health impacts of PFAS exposures; 10:00 a.m.; September 26

 

House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services hearing “Meddling with Medicare: The Biden-Harris Cover-Up;” 2:00 p.m.; September 26

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.5056-A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to clarify how controlled substance analogues that are imported or offered for import are to be regulated, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

H.R.9598-To amend the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act to reauthorize such Office, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Comer, James [Rep.-R-KY-1]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability

 

S.5070-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

H.Res.1458-Recognizing the contributions of medical research and observing “Medical Research Week” from September 16 through September 20, 2024; Sponsor: Carson, André [Rep.-D-IN-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9616-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the prompt approval of drugs when safety information is added to labeling, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragan, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9622-To improve access to oral health care for vulnerable and underserved populations; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Judiciary; Natural Resources; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9626-To direct the Department of Defense to develop a plan for the establishment of a secure computing and data storage environment for the testing of artificial intelligence trained on biological data, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9627-To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a biotechnology roadmap to guide the efforts of the Department of Defense relating to biotechnology, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9628-To direct the Secretary of Defense to collaborate with a federally funded research and development center to assess the biotechnology capabilities of adversaries of the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9629-To amend title 10, United States Code, to expand the exception to the licensure requirement for certain health care professionals providing certain examinations to members of the reserve components; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.R.9631-To provide for the establishment or expansion of Food as Medicine programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Barbara [Rep.-D-CA-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Agriculture

 

H.R.9634-To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the National Institutes of Health from conducting or supporting research that causes significant pain or distress to a nonhuman primate, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9643-To protect and expand nationwide access to fertility treatment, including in vitro fertilization; Sponsor: Wild, Susan [Rep.-D-PA-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services; Education and the Workforce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Accountability

 

S.Res.828-A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5097-A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration project to improve outpatient clinical care for individuals with sickle cell disease; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

H.R.9645-To require the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report on Medicare and Medicaid fraud; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9656-To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure area career and technical education schools are eligible for mental health and substance use disorder service grants; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9660-To provide protections from prosecution for drug possession to individuals who seek medical assistance when witnessing or experiencing an overdose, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Neguse, Joe [Rep.-D-CO-2]; Committees: House-Judiciary; Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.832-A resolution supporting the designation of September 19, 2024, as “National Stillbirth Prevention Day”, recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5112-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide payment for crisis stabilization services under the prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services; Sponsor: Cortez-Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5130-A bill to amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to enhance the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cantwell, Maria [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

H.Res.1474-Supporting the designation of September 19, 2024, as “National Stillbirth Prevention Day”, recognizing tens of thousands of families in the United States that have endured a stillbirth, and seizing the opportunity to keep other families from experiencing the same tragedy; Sponsor: Hinson, Ashley [Rep.-R-IA-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9684-To establish a grant program to facilitate peer-to-peer mental health support programs for secondary school students, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Beyer, Donald S. [Rep.-D-VA-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.9686-To amend the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 to codify the Panel of Health Advisors within the Congressional Budget Office, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House-Budget

 

H.R.9688-To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to provide for continuous eligibility for certain children under the Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9708-To ensure affordable health insurance coverage for low-income individuals in States that have not expanded Medicaid; Sponsor: Sewell, Terri A. [Rep.-D-AL-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

House Speaker Pulls Proposed CR Amidst GOP Opposition-The House of Representatives cancelled a planned vote on a six-month continuing resolution (CR) last week due to internal disagreements amongst the Republican conference. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stated that lawmakers would be working through the weekend to negotiate a stopgap spending bill that keeps the government open beyond the end of the fiscal year (FY) on September 30. The proposal released by House GOP leadership would have extended funding at FY 2024 levels through March 28, 2025. The CR also included Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R.8281) requiring voters to show documentation of U.S. citizenship. Some GOP House members expressed opposition to continuing current funding levels, while others argued that the spending package should only last into December. Democrats are united in support of a clean, short-term CR that extends into the post-election lame duck session, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has said that his chamber will seek to pass a short-term spending patch free from any “poison pill” policy riders like the SAVE Act. Lawmakers have nine days in session before they are scheduled to return to the campaign trail for all of October.

 

 

 

 

House Passes BIOSECURE Bill-The House of Representatives passed BIOSECURE Act (H.R.8333) under suspension of the rules last week as a part of the chamber’s series of votes on 28 bills related to China. H.R.8333 would prohibit Chinese biotechnology companies of concern, or companies that use equipment or services from biotechnology companies of concern, from receiving federal contracts, grants, or loans and is aimed at blocking foreign governments from accessing Americans’ health and genomic data. The bill was passed in a 306-81 vote, with 79 Democrats and two Republicans voting against the measure. BIOSECURE was opposed by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies (D-N.Y.) and House Rules Committee Ranking Member Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), who expressed concerns that the bill singled out certain companies without due process. The legislation would initially impact BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics. The House also passed legislation requiring Senate approval of global pandemic agreements. The No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act (H.R.1425) passed 219-199 in a largely party-line vote.

 

 

Education & Workforce Panel Advances Three Health Bills-The House Education and Workforce Committee marked up three health care related bills last week. The Healthy Competition for Better Care Act (H.R.3120) would permit more flexible contracting arrangements between health plans and providers, allowing insurers to enter into agreements with physicians and hospitals without having to contract with all the affiliated facilities across a health system. H.R.3120 was advanced by voice vote. The Transparent Telehealth Bills Act (H.R.9457) would ban hospitals from charging facility fees for care provided virtually. The bill was advanced in a 34-0 vote. The committee also advanced a resolution (H.J. Res.181) to reinstate a Trump-era insurance standard that was recently rescinded by the Biden administration. The policy expands access to association health plans, which are not required to adhere to certain Affordable Care Act coverage requirements and consumer protections. It was advanced in a 23-12 party-line vote.

 

 

House Panel Passes AI-Related Legislation-The House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology advanced nine bills last week to support the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI). Included in the markup was the Nucleic Acid Screening for Biosecurity Act (H.R.9194), which would authorize consortium activities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to support the development and improvement of best practices and technical standards for biosecurity measures related to nucleic acid synthesis. The bill was favorably reported by voice vote.

 

 

HELP Schedules Vote to Hold Steward CEO In Contempt-Sen. Ed. Markey (D-Mass.) released a report last week on Steward Health Care, How Corporate Greed Hurt Patients, Health Workers, and Communities. Markey highlights patient and worker experiences, hospital quality data, and information on hospital closures in Massachusetts and around the country, citing Steward as “a case study of the extent of harm that corporate greed can have on health care access, quality, and safety.” According to the report, patients in Steward-owned hospitals experienced longer wait times in emergency departments and often worse outcomes compared to national averages. Markey has argued that the report “makes the case for why we need permanent guardrails against corporate greed in health care.”

 

Markey’s report was released the day prior to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee’s hearing on the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care and the subsequent impact on patient care. Steward CEO Dr. Ralph de la Torre defied the panel’s subpoena to testify. It was the first subpoena issued by the panel since 1981. Committee leadership has now scheduled two votes for September 19: one for civil enforcement of the subpoena, and another for criminal contempt. If approved, the resolutions would be voted on by the full Senate. Depending on the outcome of the votes, the case could be referred to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, who could prosecute de la Torre for failure to comply with the subpoena.

 

 

 

E&C GOP Write CMS on Part D Stabilization Program-House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans have sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) outlining their concerns with the Medicare Part D premium stabilization demonstration program. The demonstration aims to address Medicare prescription drug plan premium growth over the next three years. The lawmakers argue that the demonstration could impact the viability of Medicare Part D in the long run, citing CMS’ estimate that the program will cost $5 billion in 2025, and “possibly much more in subsequent years.” The letter poses a series of questions for the agency and requests a response from CMS by October 4.

 

 

Cassidy Raises Concerns Regarding Implementation of Organ Donation System Reforms-Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) sent a letter to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) last week urging the agency to more quickly implement reforms to the nation’s organ transplant system that were mandated last year in the Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act. Amongst other questions, Cassidy asks HRSA to provide details about when it plans to hold a special election for new Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) board members, and about how the OPTN will ensure future both future and current board members do not have any conflicts of interest. Cassidy requests a response from HRSA by September 24. Cassidy’s inquiry was sent the same day as a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on current efforts to improve the U.S. organ transplant system.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	González-Colón (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Finance Committee hearing “Lower Health Care Costs for Americans: Understanding the Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act;” 10:00 a.m.; September 17

 

Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology, and the Law hearing “Oversight of AI: Insiders’ Perspectives;” 2:00 p.m.; September 17

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee continuation of July 24 and July 31 markup of pending legislation including S.4667, Risky Research Review Act; S.4697, Healthcare Cybersecurity Act; and S.4651, Securing America’s Federal Equipment (SAFE) in Supply Chains Act; 10:00 a.m.; September 18

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing “Investing in a Healthier America: Chronic Disease Prevention and Treatment;” 2:00 p.m.; September 18

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health markup of pending legislation; 2:30 p.m.; September 18

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing “Dial 988 +1: Examining the Operations of the Veterans Crisis Line;” 2:45 p.m.; September 18

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session regarding the refusal of Dr. Ralph de la Torre to appear and testify before the Committee; 10:00 a.m.; September 19

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?” 10:00 a.m.; September 24

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9457-To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit increased payments under a group health plan or group health insurance coverage for telehealth services furnished by a provider located at a facility; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9463-To amend title 38, United States Code, to require that non-citizen appointees to positions in the Veterans Health Administration are subjected to background investigations prior to employment; Sponsor: Wenstrup, Brad R. [Rep.-R-OH-2]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9466-To direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to catalog and evaluate emerging practices and norms for communicating certain characteristics of artificial intelligence systems, including relating to transparency, robustness, resilience, security, safety, and usability, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Baird, James R. [Rep.-R-IN-4]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9475-To authorize the Director of the National Science Foundation to identify grand challenges and award competitive prizes for artificial intelligence research and development; Sponsor: Lieu, Ted [Rep.-D-CA-36]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9478-To amend title 38, United States Code, to include adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities in the medical services furnished to eligible veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9479-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable credit for expenses incurred for in vitro fertilization; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.9484-To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [Rep.-R-WA-5]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9485-To amend title 38, United States Code, to permit the voluntary transmission of patient contact information to certain religious or faith-based organizations by chaplains employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9493-To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, the “Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic”; Sponsor: Vasquez, Gabe [Rep.-D-NM-2]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.1428-Supporting the designation of the week of September 15, 2024, through September 21, 2024, as “Telehealth Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9494-Sponsor: Higgins, Clay [Rep.-R-LA-3]; Committees: House-Appropriations; Budget

 

H.R.9496-To amend title 38, United States Code, to include a representative of the National Association of State Veterans Homes on the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Chavez-DeRemer, Lori [Rep.-R-OR-5]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9497-To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to establish a center on artificial intelligence to ensure continued United States leadership in research, development, and evaluation of the robustness, resilience, and safety of artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Obernolte, Jay [Rep.-R-CA-23]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9508-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow certain veterinary expenses for pets and service animals to be treated as amounts paid for medical care for purposes of a health savings account or flexible savings account; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1432-Expressing support for the designation of September 10, 2024, as “National Firearm Suicide Prevention Day” to educate about the growing firearm suicide crisis in the United States and promote the importance of storing firearms safely and securely as an essential component of suicide prevention; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1436-Recognizing suicide as a serious public health problem and expressing support for the designation of September as “National Suicide Prevention Month” as well as September 10, 2024, as “World Suicide Prevention Day”; Sponsor: Thanedar, Shri [Rep.-D-MI-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9520-To require the National Cyber Director to submit to Congress a plan to establish an institute within the Federal Government to serve as a centralized resource and training center for Federal cyber workforce development; Sponsor: Fallon, Pat [Rep.-R-TX-4]; Committees: House-Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.9529-To provide funding for skilled nursing facility and nursing facility survey and certification activities under the Medicare and Medicaid programs; Sponsor: Ruiz, Raul [Rep.-D-CA-25]; Committees: House-Appropriations

 

S.Res.809-A resolution supporting the designation of September 13, 2024, as “National Sepsis Day”; Sponsor: Schumer, Charles E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5018-A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify and preserve the breadth of the protections under the Medicare Secondary Payer Act; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5021-A bill to ensure the accessibility of drugs furnished through the drug discount program under section 340B of the Public Health Service Act; Sponsor: Welch, Peter [Sen.-D-VT]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5023-A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to improve falls prevention research and activities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5025-A bill to amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to make available under the assistance to firefighters grant program the establishment of cancer prevention programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Helmy, George S. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.5026-A bill to establish programs to reduce rates of sepsis; Sponsor: Schumer, Charles E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9540-To amend the Controlled Substances Act to require regulated persons to identify tableting machines and encapsulating machines by serial number; Sponsor: Hageman, Harriet M. [Rep.-R-WY-At Large]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

S.Res.812-A resolution supporting the designation of September 20, 2024, as “National Concussion Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5029-A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to establish a research and development-intensive small biotech manufacturer exception from the Medicare drug price negotiation program; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate-Finance

 

S.5035-A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate-Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5040-A bill to provide for the regulation of certain communications regarding prescription drugs; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5044-A bill to authorize grants to implement school-community partnerships for preventing substance use and misuse among youth; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate-Judiciary

 

S.5046-A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to publish a final rule relating to nonclinical testing methods; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate-Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1444-Acknowledging and thanking America’s birth centers for their high quality and high value model of health care, and expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 14 through 20, 2024, as “National Birth Center Week”; Sponsor: Kim, Young [Rep.-R-CA-40]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1446-Denouncing the human trafficking and forced labor of and profiteering from Cuban medical personnel serving in third-world countries; Sponsor: Green, Mark E. [Rep.-R-TN-7]; Committees: House-Foreign Affairs; Judiciary

 

H.Res.1448-Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that every person has the basic right to emergency health care, including abortion care; Sponsor: Sykes, Emilia Strong [Rep.-D-OH-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9550-To amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to require the provision of training and information to certain personnel relating to food allergy identification and response, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeSaulnier, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-10]; Committees: House-Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.9572-To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase penalties for group health plans and health insurance issuers for practices that violate balance billing requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and the Workforce

 

H.R.9577-To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to support models for providing stabilization services to individuals with serious thoughts of suicide, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Raskin, Jamie [Rep.-D-MD-8]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9581-To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish the Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Behavioral and Mental Health Workforce Scholarship Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9586-To prohibit Federal funds from being used to provide certain gender transition procedures to individuals in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Health and Human Services; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

House Republicans Release CR-Only 13 legislative days remain before lawmakers are scheduled to recess and return to the campaign trail until after election day. During that short time, Congress must pass a continuing resolution (CR) to avoid a government shutdown, with lawmakers also hoping to tackle the defense authorization, farm bill, and a slate of China-focused legislation. On Friday, House Republicans released the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025 which would provide funding at fiscal year 2024 levels through March 28, 2025. The CR also includes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act (H.R.8281) requiring voters to show documentation of U.S. citizenship. The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday afternoon to consider the rule for the legislation which is planned to be considered by the full House later this week. Democrats are united in support of a clean, short-term CR that extends into the post-election lame duck session.

 

 

Biden Administration Sends Funding Requests for CR-The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has sent Congress the President’s list of requested changes-or anomalies-for any CR that will otherwise extend government funding at current levels beyond the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The White House’s request includes the provision of an additional $50 million for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) respiratory virus preparedness and response efforts, $20 million for the CDC’s wastewater surveillance program, and $13 million to support the restructuring of the nation’s organ transplant system. The administration also requests $12 billion in mandatory funding for the Cost of War Toxic Exposures Fund at the Department of Veterans Affairs to address a budgetary shortfall.

 

House to Vote on China Bills This Week-The House of Representatives is scheduled to vote this week on the BIOSECURE Act (H.R.8333) under suspension of the rules. The legislation would prohibit Chinese biotechnology companies of concern, or companies that use equipment or services from biotechnology companies of concern, from receiving federal contracts, grants, or loans and is aimed at blocking foreign governments from accessing Americans’ health and genomic data. BIOSECURE, which was advanced by the House Oversight Committee in a 40-1 vote, would initially impact BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics.

 

Consideration of BIOSECURE is part of a large series of votes by the chamber on legislation relating to China. The House is also scheduled to vote of the-No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act (H.R.1425) this week. The bill would deem the World Health Organization’s (WHO) pending agreement on pandemic preparedness as a treaty and subject it to a Senate vote prior to implementation in the U.S. Republicans have raised concerns relating to the nation’s financial obligations and U.S. sovereignty in opposing WHO’s global pandemic response efforts.

 

 

Steward CEO to Defy HELP Subpoena-The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee will move forward with a hearing on the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care and the subsequent impact on patient care despite Steward CEO Ralph de la Torre’s refusal to comply with a bipartisan subpoena compelling his testimony. De la Torre has asked for a postponement of the hearing until after legal proceedings related to Steward’s bankruptcy are resolved. “Dr. de la Torre will be held accountable for his greed and the damage he has caused the American people and our nation’s health care system,” HELP Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said in a statement. “With or without him, this hearing is going forward. We will expose his fraud, and put his greed on display. I look forward to hearing from patients, medical professionals, and community members whose lives have been upended by Dr. de la Torre and his private equity cronies.” The hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday; the witness list has yet to be announced.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	González-Colón (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing “Evaluating FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs;” 10:00 a.m.; September 10

 

House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “ERISA’s 50^th Anniversary: The Value of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits;” 10:15 a.m.; September 10

 

House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic hearing with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo; 2:00 p.m.; September 10

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hearing “Mission Transition: Evaluating Mental Health Support Programs for Separating Servicemembers;” 3:00 p.m.; September 10

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing including a DRAFT bill to include a representative of the National Association of State Veterans Homes on the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); DRAFT, Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act; DRAFT, To amend title 38, U.S.C., to require that non-citizen appointees to positions in the Veterans Health Administration are subjected to background investigations prior to employment; DRAFT, Enhancing Faith-Based Support for Veterans Act of 2024; DRAFT, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act; H.R.9324, Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act; DRAFT, Safeguarding VA’s Healthcare Workforce Act; DRAFT, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act; DRAFT, Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act; H.R.9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act; H.R.7504, Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act; H.R.6330, Veterans Sentinel Act; H.R.8562, Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act; H.R.6291, Have You Served Act; H.R.9301, To direct the Secretary of VA to include two counties in New Mexico in a certain Veterans Integrated Service Network; DRAFT, Conflict of Interest Waiver for VA Researchers; 10:00 a.m.; September 11

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “A Year Removed: Oversight of Securing the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act Implementation;” 10:30 a.m.; September 11

 

House Judiciary Subcommittee on Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust hearing “The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers;” 2:00 p.m.; September 11

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing to examine the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care, focusing on how management decisions have impacted patient care; 10:00 a.m.; September 12

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?” 10:00 a.m.; September 24

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1418-Supporting the designation of March 2024 as Endometriosis Awareness Month; Sponsor: Scott, David [Rep.-D-GA-13]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1419-Supporting the goals of Overdose Awareness Day and strengthening efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the United States; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9425-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize tobacco user fee assessments for all regulated tobacco products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McClellan, Jennifer L. [Rep.-D-VA-4]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9426-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary may fill vacant shifts at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs with non-Department health care providers; Sponsor: Bost, Mike [Rep.-R-IL-12]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9427-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to provide grants to outpatient mental health facilities for the provision of culturally competent, evidence-based mental health care for veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bost, Mike [Rep.-R-IL-12]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9436-To establish a National Science Foundation grant program to provide and strengthen opportunities for peer-led research regarding autism spectrum disorder and its characteristics in women, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology Latest

 

H.R.9438-To amend and reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9439-To authorize proceeds from any sale or any moneys forfeited under the Controlled Substances Act to be used for the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Molinaro, Marcus J. [Rep.-R-NY-19]; Committees: House-Judiciary; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9443-To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to share food safety information with State, local, Tribal, and Territorial authorities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9445-To direct the Secretary of Defense to replace certain syringes of the Department of Defense; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House-Armed Services

 

H.Res.1421-Supporting the goals of “Blood Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Fong, Vince [Rep.-R-CA-20]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9446-To provide payment for patient navigator services under title XIX of the Social Security Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeSaulnier, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-10]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9449-To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a list of covered providers that complete annual training on the prevention of suicide among veterans and to make such list available to veterans; Sponsor: Huizenga, Bill [Rep.-R-MI-4]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

House Plans Votes on China Legislation-House Republican leadership informed GOP members last week to expect a series of votes early this month on legislation relating to China, including the BIOESECURE Act (H.R.8333). The legislation would prohibit Chinese biotechnology companies of concern, or companies that use equipment or services from biotechnology companies of concern, from receiving federal contracts, grants, or loans and is aimed at blocking foreign governments from accessing Americans’ health and genomic data. BIOSECURE, which was advanced by the House Oversight Committee in a 40-1 vote, would initially impact BGI Group, MGI, Complete Genomics, WuXi AppTec, and WuXi Biologics. A similar measure, the Prohibiting Foreign Access to American Genetic Information Act (S.3558) has strong bipartisan support in the Senate, but Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has stated that he would block fast-track passage of either bill. The No WHO Pandemic Preparedness Treaty Without Senate Approval Act (H.R.1425) has also been slated for consideration by the House. The bill would subject any World Health Assembly agreement on pandemics to a Senate vote.

 

Congress is scheduled to reconvene from August recess on September 9. Lawmakers are expected to spend the weeks leading up to the end of the fiscal year on September 30 negotiating a continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding at current levels and avoid a government shutdown. The GOP is still working to resolve intraparty disagreements over both the length of the CR as well as whether the stopgap spending bill should include additional policy riders. Democrats are united in support of a short-term CR that extends into the post-election lame duck session.

 

Comer Asks PBM Executives to Correct Testimony-House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has written to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) executives accusing them of providing false testimony before the committee during a July hearing. Comer argues that statements made by CVS Health Corp., UnitedHealth Group Inc, and Cigna Group contradict findings by the committee and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The PBMs repeatedly asserted that they do not steer patients to their own pharmacies or pay affiliated pharmacies more favorable rates. Comer asks the three executives to “correct the record” by September 11.

 

Eli Lilly to Offer Lower Cost Weight Loss Drug Direct to Consumer-Eli Lilly & Co. announced that it will begin selling vials of its weight-loss drug Zepbound to patients for as low as $399 a month-about half of the cost to receive the drug via an auto-injector pen. The decision is a part of the company’s effort to increase the supply of Zepbound amid shortages of the drug. The vials will only be available through Lilly’s direct-to-consumer platform LillyDirect for patients who will pay for the treatment out-of-pocket. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) characterized the announcement as a “modest step forward” while noting that the weight loss treatments still remain unaffordable for many Americans. The CEO of Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of obesity medication Wegovy, is scheduled to testify at a hearing before the HELP Committee on September 24.

 

 

Rep. Caraveo Shares Struggle with Depression-Rep. Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.) announced last week that she has sought treatment for depression at Walter Reed Medical Center. “I’m sharing this today because I believe we need to de-stigmatize mental illness-in Colorado and across our country. It is my hope that the millions of people who struggle with anxiety or any other mental health issues seek help,” she stated. Caraveo is a pediatrician who is serving her first term in the House of Representatives.

 

 

Congressional Retirements and Resignations-A running list of members of Congress who are retiring or seeking other office can be found below.

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI	Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD	Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Porter (D), CA	Mooney (R), WV
Lee (D), CA	Banks (R), IN
Gallego (D), AZ	Bishop (R), NC
Schiff (D), CA	Lesko (R), AZ
Slotkin (D), MI	Granger (R), TX
Allred (D), TX	Burgess, MD (R), TX
Trone (D), MD	Wenstrup, DPM (R), OH
Blunt Rochester (D), DE	McHenry (R), NC
Napolitano (D), CA	Ferguson, IV, DMD, PC (R), GA
Wexton (D), VA	Curtis (R), UT
Kim, Andy (D), NJ	Luetkemeyer (R), MO
Jackson, Jeff (D), NC	Lamborn (R), CO
Sarbanes (D), MD	Bucshon, MD (R), IN
Blumenauer (D), OR	Pence (R), IN
Kilmer (D), WA	Duncan (R), SC
Spanberger (D), VA	Armstrong (R), ND
Kildee (D), MI	McMorris Rodgers (R), WA
Phillips (D), MN	Gallagher (R), WI (effective April 19, 2024)
Cardenas (D), CA	Rosendale (R), MT
Eshoo (D), CA	Carl (R), AL
Manning (D), NC	LaTurner (R), KS
Nickel (D), NC	Posey (R), FL
Sablan (D), MP	González-Colón (R), PR
Ruppersberger (D), MD	Graves (R), LA
Kuster (D), NH	Good (R), VA
Bowman (D), NY
Bush (D), MO
Payne (D), NJ (died April 24, 2024)
Jackson Lee (D), TX (died July 19, 2024)
Pascrell (D), NJ (died Aug. 21, 2024)

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity hearing “Mission Transition: Evaluating Mental Health Support Programs for Separating Servicemembers;” 3:00 p.m.; September 10

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing including a DRAFT bill to include a representative of the National Association of State Veterans Homes on the Geriatrics and Gerontology Advisory Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); DRAFT, Veterans’ Mental Health Access Act; DRAFT, To amend title 38, U.S.C., to require that non-citizen appointees to positions in the Veterans Health Administration are subjected to background investigations prior to employment; DRAFT, Enhancing Faith-Based Support for Veterans Act of 2024; DRAFT, No Wrong Door for Veterans Act; H.R.9324, Protecting Veteran Access to Telemedicine Services Act; DRAFT, Safeguarding V’s Healthcare Workforce Act; DRAFT, The Veterans Supporting Prosthetics Opportunities and Recreational Therapy Act; DRAFT, Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act; H.R.9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act; H.R.7504, Rural Veterans Transportation to Care Act; H.R.6330, Veterans Sentinel Act; H.R.8562, Parity for Native Hawaiian Veterans Act; H.R.6291, Have You Served Act; H.R.9301, To direct the Secretary of VA to include two counties in New Mexico in a certain Veterans Integrated Service Network; DRAFT, Conflict of Interest Waiver for VA Researchers; 10:00 a.m.; September 11

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Why Is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans with Diabetes and Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?” 10:00 a.m.; September 24

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9394-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform health provisions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Blake D. [Rep.-R-UT-1]; Committees: House-Ways and Means

 

H.R.9399-To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to coordinate, navigate, and manage care and benefits for veterans enrolled in both the Medicare program and the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Ciscomani, Juan [Rep.-R-AZ-6]; Committees: House-Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9402-To support National Science Foundation education and professional development relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fong, Vince [Rep.-R-CA-20]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9403-To support a broad and diverse interdisciplinary research community for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-powered innovation through partnerships and capacity building at certain institutions of higher education and other institutions to expand AI capacity in populations historically underrepresented in STEM, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Foushee, Valerie P. [Rep.-D-NC-4]; Committees: House-Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.Res.1416-Expressing support for the designation of the week of August 25, 2024, through August 31, 2024, as “Black Breastfeeding Week”; Sponsor: Adams, Alma S. [Rep.-D-NC-12]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9412-To enhance the cybersecurity of the Healthcare and Public Health Sector; Sponsor: Crow, Jason [Rep.-D-CO-6]; Committees: House-Homeland Security; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9416-To recognize the right to assisted reproductive technology and to limit liability for certain actions committed during the course of providing assisted reproductive technology; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.9417-To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to provide no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography beginning at 30 years of age; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9422-To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to add a new State plan amendment option to provide medical assistance for certain individuals who are patients in certain institutions for mental diseases; Sponsor: Pettersen, Brittany [Rep.-D-CO-7]; Committees: House-Energy and Commerce