Hart Health Strategies

GOP Sets Ambitious Timeline for Reconciliation Bill – Republican leadership of the House of Representatives is aiming for all committees to hold markups of their respective components of the forthcoming reconciliation package within the first two weeks after the chamber returns from recess on April 28. The joint budget resolution adopted by Congress earlier this month sets a nonbinding deadline of May 9 for committees to deliver their respective sections of the bill. Senate and House Budget Committee leadership are targeting Memorial Day for sending the bill to President Donald Trump for his signature. House leadership encouraged committees to work over the recess in order to meet this ambitious timeline. The GOP aims to use the reconciliation package to advance the President’s domestic policy agenda, including tax cuts, energy policy, and border security, while trimming the budget deficit by at least $1.5 trillion. This includes $880 billion in savings over the next decade from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is expected to necessitate cuts to the Medicaid program.

 

Twelve House Republicans signed on to a letter to GOP leadership stating that they will not support any final bill that includes cuts to Medicaid enrollees’ benefits. “We must reform Medicaid so that it is a strong and long-lasting program for years to come,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter, “However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.” The letter, which was signed by Reps. David Valadao (Calif.), Don Bacon (Neb.), Jeff Van Drew (N.J.), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.), Juan Ciscomani (Ariz.), Jen Kiggans (Va.), Young Kim (Calif.), Rob Wittman (Va.), Nicole Malliotakis (N.Y.), Nick LaLota (N.Y.), Andrew Garbarino (N.Y.), and Jeff Hurd (Colo.), expresses openness to targeted reforms that “improve program integrity, reduce improper payments, and modernize delivery systems to fix flaws in the program that divert resources away from children, seniors, individuals with disabilities and pregnant women — those who the program was intended to help.”

 

Internal Document Shows Deep Budget Cuts for HHS – The Trump administration is considering deep cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) according to an internal budget proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The ‘pre-decisional’ proposal would cut one-third of the department’s budget, reducing discretionary funding from $116.8 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2025 to approximately $80.4 billion. The document proposes to cut funding for both the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by more than 40%. Funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Administration for Community Living would be eliminated. The new Administration for a Healthy America, under which many of the eliminated programs would be consolidated, would receive roughly $14 billion in budget authority. The proposal is still subject to change, given that the White House has not yet sent its formal FY 2026 budget proposal to Congress. Spokespeople for OMB have also confirmed that no final funding decisions have been made.

 

Bipartisan Probe MA Compliance with MLR Requirements – Reps. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.) and Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) have sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) requesting that the agency investigate the growth of Medicare Advantage (MA) insurers, and specifically whether the insurers meet the federal requirement to spend at least 85% of their revenue on beneficiary health care. The letter suggests that insurer acquisition of related businesses like health care providers could undermine the effectiveness of medical loss ratio (MLR) requirements, noting that payments to a related business are considered medical expenses for purposes of calculating the MLR, even though a portion of these payments may ultimately be profits for the insurer. The lawmakers request that GAO examine the ownership structures of MA insurers, trends in spending on medical services and supplemental benefits, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) oversight of MA reporting requirements.

 

Ways and Means RFI on OPOs – The House Ways and Means Committee issued a request for information (RFI) on the nation’s 55 organ procurement organizations (OPOs) on Wednesday. The panel seeks information from the public about whether the groups, which qualify as tax-exempt organizations, are abiding by federal laws and regulations. The RFI provides background on the laws and regulations governing OPOs as 501(c)(3) entities, and also details recent reports suggesting that certain OPOs have billed Medicare for costs that may not be appropriate or allowable under law. Responses should be submitted to [email protected] by May 16, 2025.

 

E&C Republicans Investigate 23andMe Bankruptcy – Republican leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have launched an investigation into 23andMe and its handling of Americans’ sensitive data following the company’s decision to file for bankruptcy. 23andMe filed for bankruptcy last month, and announced that it intends to sell all of its assets to pay off debts. The company’s most valuable asset is considered to be its genetic database of over 15 million customers. “With the lack of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security law, we write to express our great concern about the safety of Americans’ most sensitive personal information,” the letter states. The lawmakers specifically express concerns about reports of customers experiencing issues accessing and deleting their data from their 23andMe accounts. The lawmakers request a response to questions related to the practices 23andMe will implement with regard to customers’ sensitive information by May 1.

 

Democrats Urge Part D Coverage of GLP-1’s – A group of five Democratic senators have sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding access to GLP-1’s in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The letter, signed by Sens. Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (Minn.), Cory Booker (N.J.), Ben Ray Luján (N.M.), and Gary Peters (Mich.), calls on the administration to reissue a Biden-administration proposed rule that would have allowed Medicare Part D to cover the anti-obesity drugs. The Trump administration recently decided not to finalize the proposal, with CMS providing no reason for the decision. The lawmakers argue that allowing Medicare and Medicaid to cover drugs used to treat obesity “will not only benefit the health of Americans, but is also a critical long-term investment to improve the costly treatment of health complications associated with obesity.”

 

NJ Congressman in Intensive Care – Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), 66, was admitted to an intensive care unit on Tuesday and faces an extended recovery that could require physical rehabilitation, according to a press release from his office. Norcross was diagnosed with a gallbladder infection that had progressed to sepsis. Norcross has served in Congress since 2014 and currently serves on the Armed Services and Education and the Workforce committees.

 

President Signs Drug Price Executive Order – President Donald Trump signed an executive order (E.O.) on Tuesday aimed at lowering prescription drug prices. The E.O. touches upon several key policy issues, including: 340B, the Inflation Reduction Act’s “pill penalty,” and pharmacy benefit managers.  Hart Health Strategies Inc. has prepared an analysis of the E.O. below, and an official fact sheet can be found here.

 

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

• Directs several offices to provide recommendations on how to promote “a more competitive, efficient, transparent, and resilient pharmaceutical value chain.”  While the E.O. does not explicitly cite PBMs, the section is titled “Reevaluating the Role of Middlemen,” which has typically been understood as the PBMs, but could include others in the drug supply chain.
• Directs the Secretary to improve “fiduciary transparency” of PBM compensation for employer health plans under ERISA.

 

Drug Administration

• Directs the Secretary to propose regulations that ensure Medicare payments for administered medications do not encourage care in hospital outpatient departments over “physician office settings.”

 

Insulin & Injectable Epinephrine

• Directs the Secretary to ensure that federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) offer insulin and injectable epinephrine at or below the 340B price to patients with a high cost-sharing requirement for either insulin or injectable epinephrine, a high unmet deductible, or no health care insurance.  Ensuring these discounts will be a condition for future grants made under Section 330(e).

 

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

• While Republicans have long discussed the possibility of repealing the IRA, the E.O. commits to the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program (MDPNP) and directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to continue seeking guidance and comments for future rounds of drug negotiations.
• Directs several offices to provide recommendation on how to “stabilize and reduce” Medicare Part D premiums.
• Directs Congress to end the “pill penalty,” which currently allows for the MDPNP to review small molecule drugs (i.e. pills) four years earlier than it permits review of biologic products.  The E.O. instructs Congress to address this discrepancy, which is understood to exempt all drugs from MDPNP eligibility for 13 years.

 

Generics & Biosimilars

• Directs the Secretary to provide administrative and legislative recommendations that increase generic, biosimilar, and other select drug approvals.  It also directs the Secretary to make recommendations on opportunities to reclassify prescription drugs to over-the-counter medications.

 

International Importation

• Directs the Secretary to streamline State application and approval of drug wholesale importation programs.  While Florida’s program has been approved, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Texas, and Vermont have not received program approval to date.

 

Medicare

• Instructs the Secretary to develop and implement a payment model to secure “better value” for high-cost prescription drugs that are not subject to the MDPNP.  “Better value” is not defined within the E.O.

 

Site Neutrality

• Instructs the Secretary to conduct a survey and subsequently propose adjustments that would achieve Medicare site neutrality for outpatient drugs.  Site neutrality within the E.O. aims to remove additional payments made by Medicare for drugs provided at hospital outpatient departments.  The E.O. does not comment on services nor does it mention physician offices.

 

Medicaid

• Directs several offices to provide recommendations to improve the Medicaid drug rebate program with manufacturers, identify new drug payment methods, implement value-based care for drugs, and “support” Medicaid drug spending.

 

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers

• Directs the Department of Justice, the Department of Commerce, and the Federal Trade Commission to conduct listening sessions and issue a report with recommendations to reduce “anti-competitive behavior” by pharmaceutical manufacturers.

 

Dr. Oz Sworn-in as CMS Administrator – Mehmet Oz, MD was officially sworn in as administrator of CMS on Friday. Dr. Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, was confirmed by the Senate along party lines earlier this month. During his remarks at the swearing in ceremony, Oz identified several areas of focus for his work going forward – noting that Medicaid often crowds out other social programs in state budgets and highlighting how much the U.S. spends on health care per person compared to other countries, the prevalence of medical errors, and the decline in the nation’s life expectancy since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Oz also aligned himself with the administration’s Make America Healthy Again vision, stating “Together, we’re going to make the care better. We’re going to make … the outcomes improve, and we’re going to make sure that America can actually be the healthiest country it could ever possibly be.”

 

DOJ Contacts Medical Journals About Competing Viewpoints – The Department of Justice  has sent letters to at least three medical journals requesting information about how the publications handle scientific debates and competing viewpoints. The letter to the editor-in-chief of CHEST from Edward R. Martin Jr., U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, states that “more and more journals and publications like CHEST Journal are conceding that they are partisans in various scientific debates.” Martin poses the following questions:

• How do you assess your responsibilities to protect the public from misinformation?
• How do you clearly articulate to the public when you have certain viewpoints that are influenced by your ongoing relations with supporters, funders, advertisers, and others?
• Do you accept articles or essays from competing viewpoints?
• How do you assess the role played by government officials and funding organizations like the National Institutes of Health in the development of submitted articles?
• How do you handle allegations that authors of works in your journals may have misled their readers?

The letter requests a response by May 2.

 

HHS Opens Tip Line on Gender Affirming Care – HHS has launched a new whistleblower tip line to report physicians offering gender-affirming care to children. The page offers multiple options for submitting complaints “related to the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.” President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January characterizing puberty blockers and hormones for people under 19 as forms of chemical and surgical mutilation. Enforcement of the order is currently on hold following a preliminary injunction by a U.S. district court judge, who ruled that the order unconstitutionally treated people differently based on their sex or transgender status in violation of the equal protection guarantee of the U.S. Constitution’s Fifth Amendment.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Energy and Commerce Committee markup to consider: H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025; H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act; H.R. 2319, Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025; H.R. 1669, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program; H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act; and H.R. 2484, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act; 10:15 a.m.; April 29

 

Senate Appropriations Committee hearing “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation;” 10:30 a.m.; April 30

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.332 — Supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual “Black Maternal Health Week”, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc. (BMMA), to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people; Sponsor: Adams, Alma S. [Rep.-D-NC-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2921 —To require the Secretary of Defense to provide to firefighters of the Department of Defense medical testing and related services to detect and prevent certain cancers; Sponsor: Bacon, Don [Rep.-R-NE-2]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.2934 —To amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for a new rule regarding the application of the Act to marijuana, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.2935 — To establish a Commission on the Federal Regulation of Cannabis to study a prompt and plausible pathway to the Federal regulation of cannabis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Ways and Means; Agriculture; Financial Services

 

H.R.2936 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to allow certain public health data modernization grants to be used to track hospital bed capacity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2937 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety telecommunicators; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2942 —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.2943 — 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 Government Reform

 

H.R.2957 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to support the development and implementation of programs using data analysis to identify and facilitate strategies to improve outcomes for children in geographic areas with a high prevalence of trauma from exposure to adverse childhood experiences, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pressley, Ayanna [Rep.-D-MA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2960 — To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program of payments to children’s hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2970 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the laws relating to advocacy for veterans who receive health care and other benefits furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Yakym, Rudy [Rep.-R-IN-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

House Passes GOP Budget Resolution – The House of Representatives agreed to the fiscal year 2025 Concurrent Budget Resolution as amended by the Senate (H. Con. Res. 14) on Thursday by a vote of 216-214. The vote allows the budget reconciliation process to proceed. Congressional Republicans must now begin drafting a reconciliation package to advance President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda, including tax cuts, energy policy, and border security, while trimming the budget deficit by at least $1.5 trillion. The budget blueprint charges the House Energy and Commerce Committee with finding $880 billion in savings over the next decade, which is expected to necessitate cuts to the Medicaid program. Lawmakers have now returned to their districts for a two-week congressional recess. Both the Senate and the House are scheduled to reconvene on April 28. During the district work period, House Democrats have planned a series of national events in opposition to the GOP budget bill, including a Medicaid Matters Day of Action on April 17.

 

House Budget Committee Reestablishes Health Care Task Force – House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) has reestablished the panel’s Health Care Task Force and appointed Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) as chair. The Task Force was previously led by former Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas). This congress, the Task Force plans to focus on the budgetary effects of chronic disease and opportunities to Make America Healthy Again. Members of the Task Force include Reps. Mike Carey (R-Ohio), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wis.), Erin Houchin (R-Ind.), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.).

 

HELP Committee RFK Jr. Hearing Does Not Take Place– U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee last week to testify about the department’s proposed reorganization and reductions in force. HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) had requested his attendance at a hearing set for April 10. Spokespersons for HHS have declined to comment on whether the Secretary has a date set to appear before the committee. During his confirmation process, Kennedy committed to coming before the HELP Committee on a quarterly basis upon request from the chair. He is not expected to appear before the committee until after the Senate returns from recess at the end of April.

 

E&C to Reschedule Consideration of Health Bills  – The House Energy and Commerce Committee convened a markup of 26 bills last week, including six bipartisan health care measures. During the markup, committee Democrats offered an amendment to take up and pass the end-of-year legislative package (including a partial Medicare physician fix and 2-year extension of telehealth flexibilities) that was removed from the December 2024 continuing resolution. The amendment failed on a party line vote. The panel did not have time to consider the following health bills due to scheduling conflicts, and plans to reschedule consideration of H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act; H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act; H.R. 2319, Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act; H.R. 1669, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program; H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act; and H.R. 2484, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act.

 

National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology Releases Final Report – The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology released its congressionally mandated final report last week. The report’s recommendations are centered on the following pillars: prioritizing biotechnology at the national level; mobilizing the private sector to get U.S. products to scale; maximizing the benefits of biotechnology and defense; out-innovating strategic competitors; building the biotechnology workforce of the future; and mobilizing the collective strengths of allies and partners.  The 11-member bipartisan commission led by Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) was mandated as part of the 2022 defense authorization bill. Sen. Young said he is already working with the leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee to include provisions from the report in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

 

Cassidy Raises Concerns About 23andMe Bankruptcy – Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) has sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressing concerns about the potential sale of 23andMe’s genetic database of over 15 million customers.  23andMe filed for bankruptcy last month, and announced that it intends to sell all of its assets to pay off debts.  Sen. Cassidy urges the administration to use its authority through the Committee on Foreign Investment to prevent foreign adversaries from buying the database.  “Safeguarding sensitive consumer data is a top goal to protect our national security,” Cassidy writes. “Chinese companies have already taken steps to collect genetic data across the world that could be used for adverse purposes. These adversaries may similarly seek to acquire 23andMe’s database and potentially use it against Americans.”

 

RAND Releases Report on Current State of Emergency Care – The RAND Corporation released a new report entitled Strategies for Sustaining Emergency Care in the United States. The report assesses the current value of emergency care, evaluates challenges to sustaining emergency care, measures trends in emergency care payment, and identifies alternate funding strategies for emergency care. The authors assert that while emergency departments offer many types of value to different stakeholders across the country, the stresses EDs have faced over the past decade (including the opioid and gun violence epidemics, COVID-19 pandemic, increases in patient acuity and complexity, and declines in payment) put the viability of emergency care at risk. The report includes the following recommendations:

• Stakeholders should advocate funding for the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act.
• Local governments and other stakeholders should pursue policies to allocate city and local funds to ED care and related activities that confer value to the broader community.
• Stakeholders should develop uninsured and underinsured patient compensation benchmarks so that EDs are compensated commensurate with the level of indigent care they provide.
• Health care organizations and legislatures should invest in expanding primary care capacity and develop and implement strategies to address ED crowding.
• Legislatures should institute state or federal laws that protect health care workers by increasing the legal consequences for violence against health care workers.
• Stakeholders should advocate Medicaid expansion in states that have not adopted it yet and should advocate Medicaid parity with Medicare.
• Legislatures should require insurance entities to collect deductibles and copays from their enrollees and should implement a legislative fix to No Surprises Act flaws so that payers must pay in full any independent dispute resolution judgments to the prevailing physicians within a preset time frame.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Appropriations Committee hearing “Biomedical Research: Keeping America’s Edge in Innovation;” 10:30 a.m.; April 30

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.1305 — A bill to allow for greater collaboration between the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority and the network of Manufacturing USA institutes; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.298 — Expressing support for the designation of April 7, 2025, as “World Health Day” and recognizing the importance of prioritizing public health nationally and globally; Sponsor: Thanedar, Shri [Rep.-D-MI-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2667 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow distributions from a health flexible spending arrangement or health reimbursement arrangement directly to a health savings account in connection with establishing coverage under a high deductible health plan; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2678 — To provide for further comprehensive research at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke on unruptured intracranial aneurysms, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2687 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a refundable tax credit for non-directed living kidney donations; Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2695 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize grants for building communities of recovery; Sponsor: Pettersen, Brittany [Rep.-D-CO-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.1320 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take certain steps regarding research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1329 — A bill to address the behavioral health workforce shortages through support for peer support specialists, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1330 — A bill to advance research to achieve medical breakthroughs in brain tumor treatment and improve awareness and adequacy of specialized cancer and brain tumor care; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1348 — A bill to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to prohibit an employer from recovering any health care premium paid by the employer for an employee if the employee fails to return to work due to the birth of a child, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Mike [Sen.-R-UT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.305 — Expressing support for the designation of the fourth Wednesday of February as “Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Awareness Day”; Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2715 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the destruction authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to articles that present a significant public health concern, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Higgins, Clay [Rep.-R-LA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2717 — To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to take certain steps regarding research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2730 — To include pregnancy and loss of pregnancy as qualifying life events under the TRICARE program and to require a study on maternal health in the military heath system, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.2732 — To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 to prohibit an employer from recovering any health care premium paid by the employer for an employee if the employee fails to return to work due to the birth of a child, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Riley [Rep.-R-WV-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform; House Administration

 

H.R.2741 — To address the behavioral health workforce shortages through support for peer support specialists, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2744 — To amend part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for a special enrollment period under Medicare for individuals enrolled in COBRA continuation coverage, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2745 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow both spouses to make catch-up contributions to the same health savings account; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.1361 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to give priority in the consideration of suicide prevention grants to entities located in States that have not received such a grant, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cramer, Kevin [Sen.-R-ND]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1380 —A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a loan repayment program to encourage specialty medicine physicians to serve in rural communities experiencing a shortage of specialty medicine physicians, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1384 — A bill to require States to report information on Medicaid payments to abortion providers; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1387 — A bill to authorize the National Biotechnology Initiative, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Young, Todd [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1390 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to revise certain physician self-referral exemptions relating to physician-owned hospitals; Sponsor: Lankford, James [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1399 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate payment of certain algorithm-based healthcare services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.2753 — To amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 to provide for a point of order against reconciliation measures that cut benefits for Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Rules; Budget

 

H.R.2756 — To authorize the National Biotechnology Initiative, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bice, Stephanie I. [Rep.-R-OK-5]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology; Foreign Affairs; Agriculture; Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2757 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve coverage of audiology services under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2767 —To advance research to achieve medical breakthroughs in brain tumor treatment and improve awareness and adequacy of specialized cancer and brain tumor care; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2779 — Abortion Funding Awareness Act – To require States to report information on Medicaid payments to abortion providers; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2793 — To allow individuals to choose to opt out of the Medicare part A benefit; Sponsor: Palmer, Gary J. [Rep.-R-AL-6]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.Res.171 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.172 — A resolution supporting the designation of the week of April 11 through April 17, 2025, as the eighth annual “Black Maternal Health Week”, founded by Black Mamas Matter Alliance, Inc., to bring national attention to the maternal and reproductive health crisis in the United States and the importance of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity among Black women and birthing people; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.173 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Malaria Day; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.Res.181 — A resolution designating the week of April 14 through April 20, 2025, as “National Osteopathic Medicine Week”; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.Res.182 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1406 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, to increase beneficiary access to oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1407 — A bill to ban the use of Federal funds for the purchase of drugs manufactured in the People’s Republic of China, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1409 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and disseminate information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1410 —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.1414 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide that clinical studies required for licensure of biological products as biosimilar shall not be required to include the assessment of immunogenicity, pharmacodynamics, or comparative clinical efficacy; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1435 — A bill to prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to support animal experimentation in the laboratories of adversarial nations; Sponsor: Ernst, Joni [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1440 — A bill to amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries); Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1448 — A bill to address mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1460 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend incentive payments for participation in eligible alternative payment models under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1469 —A bill to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to include food allergy information in existing training modules for local food service personnel; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

 

S.1482 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to support and stabilize the existing nursing workforce, establish programs to increase the number of nurses, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1489 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.324 — Raising awareness of esophageal cancer by expressing support for the designation of April 2025 as “Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Connolly, Gerald E. [Rep.-D-VA-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.331 — Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Youth HIV/AIDS Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2810 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat amounts paid for private umbilical cord blood, or umbilical cord tissue, banking services as medical care expenses; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2821 —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: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2830 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect and disseminate information on concussion and traumatic brain injury among public safety officers; Sponsor: Crenshaw, Dan [Rep.-R-TX-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2846 — To amend title II of the Public Health Service Act to include as an additional right or privilege of commissioned officers of the Public Health Service (and their beneficiaries) certain leave provided under title 10, United States Code to commissioned officers of the Army (or their beneficiaries); Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2855 — To limit the impoundment, transfer, or reprogramming of Federal funds made available for the National Institutes of Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, Timothy M. [Rep.-D-NY-26]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2868 — To amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to add highly pathogenic avian influenza as a high priority research and extension area; Sponsor: McBride, Sarah [Rep.-D-DE-At Large]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.2874 — To provide for regulations on protecting statutory conscience rights in health care; Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2875 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow refunds of Federal motor fuel excise taxes on fuels used in mobile mammography vehicles; Sponsor: Moore, Tim [Rep.-R-NC-14]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2884 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for public health research and investment into understanding and eliminating structural racism and police violence; Sponsor: Pressley, Ayanna [Rep.-D-MA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2892 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and nationally disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding about sensitivities regarding adoption in the health care industry, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2902 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the payment method for oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, to increase beneficiary access to oxygen and oxygen related equipment, supplies, and services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

Senate Adopts Budget Blueprint – The Senate passed a budget resolution early Saturday morning, a critical step in the reconciliation process that Republicans hope to use to advance President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. The measure was adopted in a 51-48 vote following a lengthy series of votes on amendments known as a vote-a-rama. Sens. Rand Paul (Ky.) and Susan Collins (Maine) were the only Republicans to vote against the resolution. For the reconciliation process to proceed, a unified budget resolution must first be adopted by the House of Representatives. The House approved its own budget resolution in February that called for $880 billion in savings over the next decade to come from the Energy and Commerce Committee – likely necessitating deep cuts to the Medicaid program. The possibility of such cuts has received bipartisan pushback in the Senate. During the Senate vote-a-rama, the chamber adopted an amendment from Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) to strengthen and improve Medicaid for the most vulnerable populations and extend the life of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund. The amendment was agreed to along party lines, with Democrats arguing that the failure to define “most vulnerable populations” continues to leave the door open for cuts to the Medicaid program. House Republican leadership told their members that they will proceed with a vote on the Senate budget blueprint this week, despite apparent opposition from some fiscal conservatives. The Senate plan contains lower spending cut targets and would allow for more tax cuts that are not fully paid for in comparison to the House’s original framework. Republicans can only lose three members on a party-line vote if all members of the chamber are present and voting.

 

Dr. Oz Confirmed as CMS Administrator – The Senate confirmed Mehmet Oz, MD as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Thursday in a 53-45 party line vote. As CMS administrator, Dr. Oz – a cardiothoracic surgeon – will be responsible for the agency in charge of the insurance coverage of more than 160 million people. During his Senate confirmation process, Oz stated that his focus as administrator will be on empowering beneficiaries with better tools and more transparency to manage their health and navigate the health care system; incentivizing health care providers to optimize care with real time information; and modernizing tools to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse.

 

Senate Panel Advances Six Bills to Lower Prescription Drug Prices – The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bipartisan pieces of legislation on Thursday that aim to reduce prescription drug costs and increase access to generic medications. Each of the bills – which were previously approved by the committee during the 118^th Congress– was advanced by voice vote.  The Prescription Pricing for the People Act (S. 527) requires the Federal Trade Commission to examine the effects of consolidation in the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry, as well as other potentially abusive behavior by PBMs, on pricing. The Drug Competition Enhancement Act (S. 1040) would prohibit branded drug manufacturers from deliberately preventing potential competitors from entering the marketplace using product hopping. The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act (S. 1041) would prevent bad actors in the pharmaceutical industry from using “patent thickets” to stop potential competitors from entering the marketplace. The Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act (S. 1097) would establish a task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve communication and coordination in implementing each agency’s activities related to pharmaceutical patents. The Stop STALLING Act (S. 1095) would deter branded pharmaceutical companies from filing sham “citizen petitions” with the FDA to interfere with the approval of generic and biosimilar medicines. Finally, the Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars Act (S. 1096) would limit “pay-for-delay” deals that prevent or delay the introduction of generic drugs. The Affordable Prescriptions for Patients Act was the only bill of the six to pass the full Senate last Congress.

 

HELP Requests RFK Testimony on HHS Restructuring – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have called on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to testify before the panel on Thursday. The lawmakers wish to discuss the department’s proposed reorganization and recent reductions in force. It remains unclear whether the Secretary will accept the panel’s invitation to testify. “The news coverage on the HHS reorg is being set by anonymous sources and opponents are setting the perceptions,” Sen. Cassidy said in a statement. “This will be a good opportunity for him to set the record straight and speak to the goals, structure and benefits of the proposed reorganization.” During his confirmation process, Kennedy committed to coming before the HELP Committee on a quarterly basis upon request from the chair.

 

E&C Democrats Press for Answers on HHS Job Cuts – Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his decision to eliminate 25% of the department’s workforce. The lawmakers ask for a response to the following requests by April 15:

• Provide a detailed list of the roles being eliminated across HHS;
• Describe in detail the process by which it was determined what roles would be eliminated;
• Specify what is meant by the elimination of 3,500 roles at the Food and Drug Administration not affecting reviewers or impacting reviewers;
• Specify which five regional offices will be closed and the process for determining why regional offices should be closed and which ones should be closed; and
• Specify which operating divisions will be eliminated or consolidated, and which new or existing operating division(s) will be responsible for carrying out the eliminated or consolidated operation division’s work.

The letter was signed by Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-N.J.), Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.). Staff from HHS are scheduled to brief the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the HHS restructuring this week.

 

Senate Democrats Urge HHS to Address MA Spending – A group of Senate Democrats led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have sent a letter to the Trump administration highlighting the need to reign in waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The letter points out that the MA program has continuously cost more than traditional Medicare without improving health outcomes, arguing that MA program spending endangers the solvency of the Medicare trust funds. The lawmakers urge the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to:

• Eliminate waste and abuse from overpayments by improving risk adjustment calculations in the proposed 2026 MA Rate Notice and strictly enforcing the overpayment regulations for MA Organizations outlined in the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule rule.
• Strengthen enforcement against MA insurers that illegally deny care.
• Address additional barriers to care.
• Enact reforms to reduce disparities in care.

 

Booker Sets Record for Longest Speech on Senate Floor – Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) held the Senate floor for 25 hours and five consecutive minutes last week in protest of the Trump administration and congressional Republicans. The speech broke the previous Senate floor speech record set by the late South Carolina Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957, lasting 24 hours and 18 minutes. Booker yielded to Democratic senators throughout the day for questions to give himself short breaks from speaking. During the speech, he argued for the need to defend against actions from the administration that would cut Medicaid, defund medical research, and increase health care costs for Americans.

 

Court Issues Permanent Injunction in NIH Indirect Cost Cuts Litigation – On April 4, 2025, the federal government requested that the court convert its March 5 preliminary injunction (barring the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) indirect cost cuts) into a permanent injunction. In their motion for conversion, the NIH noted that it hoped to expedite its ability to appeal to the First Circuit Court of Appeals on the case’s merits once a final judgment was entered. The court agreed and issued a permanent injunction the same day. The ruling vacates the NIH’s February 2025 guidance (Notice Number NOT-OD-25-068), which sought to cap indirect cost reimbursement at 15%, and permanently bars the agency from implementing the cap nationwide unless the federal government is able to successfully appeal. Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts concluded that the plaintiffs—22 state attorneys general and several major research institutions—had demonstrated actual success on the merits of their claims. Reiterating the points in the preliminary injunction, the court held that the NIH’s policy violated federal law, was arbitrary and capricious, improperly retroactive, and was issued without required notice-and-comment procedures.

 

FTC’s PBM Lawsuit to Continue – The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) case against the nation’s largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) will continue to move forward with the involvement of FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. The status of the lawsuit against CVS Health Corp., Cigna Group, and UnitedHealth Group Inc., alleging that the PBMs used illegal rebate programs to keep less expensive insulin products off of drug formularies, was called into question following the Trump administration’s dismissal of the two Democratic commissioners overseeing the case last month. Ferguson, who had previously recused himself from the case, changed his decision last week to ensure that the lawsuit can continue.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Appropriations Committee hearing “Assessing the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief;” 8:00 a.m.; April 8

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing “Lowering Costs for Patients: The Health of the Biosimilar Market;” 10:00 a.m.; April 8

 

House Energy and Commerce Committee markup at 10:00 a.m. on April 8 to consider:

• H.R. 2483, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025
• H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
• H.R. 2319, Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act of 2025
• H.R. 1669, To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond (SOAR) to Health and Wellness Training Program.
• H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act
• H.R. 2484, Seniors’ Access to Critical Medications Act

 

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing “The Freedom of Information Act: Perspectives from Public Requesters;” 10:15 a.m.; April 8

 

House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation hearing “Final Report on the National Security Commission for Emerging Biotechnology;” 4:00 p.m.; April 8

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session to consider S. 932, Give Kids a Chance Act of 2025; 10:00 a.m.; April 9

 

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing “Restoring Trust in FDA: Rooting Out Illicit Products;” 10:00 a.m.; April 9

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education public witness day; 10:30 a.m.; April 9

 

POSSIBLE: Senate HELP Committee hearing “An Update on the Restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services” with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; 10:00 a.m.; April 10

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.276 — Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Hispanic community; Sponsor: Hernández, Pablo [Resident Commissioner-D-PR-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.277 — Supporting the designation of May 2025 as “National Myositis Awareness Month”; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2483 — Sponsor: Guthrie, Brett [Rep.-R-KY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Judiciary; Financial Services

 

H.R.2484 — Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2487 — To improve access to evidence-based, lifesaving health care for transgender people, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Balint, Becca [Rep.-D-VT-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2491 — To require the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Commissioner of Social Security to review and simplify the processes, procedures, forms, and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in establishing eligibility for, enrolling in, and maintaining and utilizing coverage and benefits under the Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and Social Security programs respectively, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2493 — To reauthorize certain programs regarding rural health care; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2495 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of medical nutrition therapy services for individuals with eating disorders under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2497 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a public health education, awareness, and outreach campaign to enhance access to abortion and related health services; Sponsor: Crockett, Jasmine [Rep.-D-TX-30]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2509 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration; Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2527 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve children’s vision and eye health through grants to States, territories, and Tribal organizations, and the provision of technical assistance to support those efforts; Sponsor: Veasey, Marc A. [Rep.-D-TX-33]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2528 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to clarify the treatment of certain association health plans as employers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Walberg, Tim [Rep.-R-MI-5]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2529 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to permit enrollees to obtain a 365-day supply of contraceptives; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2531 — To direct the Secretary of Labor to issue an occupational safety and health standard that requires covered employers within the health care and social service industries to develop and implement a comprehensive workplace violence prevention plan, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Courtney, Joe [Rep.-D-CT-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2532 — To prohibit certain removals of employees of the Department of Health and Human Services and sub-agencies and operating divisions thereof, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McClellan, Jennifer L. [Rep.-D-VA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means; Natural Resources

 

H.R.2533 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model to improve access to specialty health services for certain Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2538 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a comprehensive alternative response for emergencies model under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Carey, Mike [Rep.-R-OH-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2541 — To require the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to revise its regulations to protect patients from unintended exposure to radiation during nuclear medicine procedures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davis, Donald G. [Rep.-D-NC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2542 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to provide that priority research drugs shall not be treated as line extensions of existing drugs for purposes of calculating manufacturer rebates under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davis, Donald G. [Rep.-D-NC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2553 — To limit cost-sharing for prescription drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2554 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply prescription drug inflation rebates to drugs furnished in the commercial market and to change the base year for rebate calculations; Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2557 — To amend title 10, United States Code, to provide fertility treatment under the TRICARE Program; Sponsor: Jacobs, Sara [Rep.-D-CA-51]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.2560 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize lifespan respite care programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2571 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to exclude from the definition of health insurance coverage certain medical stop-loss insurance obtained by certain plan sponsors of group health plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Onder, Robert [Rep.-R-MO-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2576 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand health care and benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs for military sexual trauma, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pingree, Chellie [Rep.-D-ME-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2586 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow States to make medical assistance available to inmates during the 30-day period preceding their release; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2587 — To establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative in the National Institutes of Health for purposes of encouraging collaborative research to improve youth mental health; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.1248 — A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a model to improve access to specialty health services for certain Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries; Sponsor: Mullin, Markwayne [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1256 — A bill to authorize the Pines Foundation to establish the Fire Island AIDS Memorial, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Energy and Natural Resources

 

S.1258 — A bill to prohibit the sale of food that is, or contains, unsafe poppy seeds; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1261 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand access to telehealth services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schatz, Brian [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1264 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program to promote collaborative treatment of mental and physical health comorbidities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1266 — A bill to establish a Youth Mental Health Research Initiative in the National Institutes of Health for purposes of encouraging collaborative research to improve youth mental health; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1269 — A bill to promote United States leadership in technical standards by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of State to take certain actions to encourage and enable United States participation in developing standards and specifications for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.1290 — A bill to expand the functions of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to include workforce frameworks for critical and emerging technologies, to require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop an artificial intelligence workforce framework, and periodically review and update the NICE Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Peters, Gary C. [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.1302 — A bill to provide for increased transparency in generic drug applications; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.2589 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure the consensual donation and respectful disposition of human bodies and human body parts donated or transferred for education, research, or the advancement of medical, dental, or mortuary science and not for use in human transplantation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2590 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program to promote collaborative treatment of mental and physical health comorbidities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R. 2610— To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to address significant under projection of MA local area growth due to wage index reclassification; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2615 — To prohibit the sale of food that is, or contains, unsafe poppy seeds; Sponsor: Womack, Steve [Rep.-R-AR-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2623 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to designate medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs as innovative therapies centers of excellence, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Correa, J. Luis [Rep.-D-CA-46]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2630 — To amend the Advancing Research to Prevent Suicide Act to expand the areas of focus regarding childhood suicide, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillen, Laura [Rep.-D-NY-4]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.2636 — To provide for appropriate cost-sharing for individuals 26 years of age or younger for insulin products covered under private health plans; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2639 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program for telehealth services furnished by Indian health programs; Sponsor: Leger Fernandez, Teresa [Rep.-D-NM-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2640 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that certain health care contractors of the Department of Veterans Affairs are subject to Federal tort claims laws, to improve the accountability of physicians of the Department, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Luttrell, Morgan [Rep.-R-TX-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

HHS to Undergo Restructuring, Cutting 10,000 Employees – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a plan for major restructuring last week that will result in $1.8 billion in savings and 10,000 job cuts across the department. The restructuring is in keeping with President Donald Trump’s executive order Implementing the President’s ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ Workforce Optimization Initiative. The plan will consolidate the 28 current HHS divisions into 15 new divisions, including a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA), which will combine the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response will transfer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The  Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation will be merged with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to create the new Office of Strategy. HHS regional offices will be reduced from 10 to 5. Workforce reductions will include the elimination of:

• 3,500 full time employees from the Food and Drug Administration, which HHS has said will not impact drug, medical device, or food reviewers or inspectors;
• 2,400 employees from the CDC;
• 1,200 employees from the National Institutes of Health; and
• 300 employees from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, mostly from the Office of Minority Health and the Office of Program Operations and Local Engagement according to the latest reports.

When combined with other efforts to reduce the size of the federal government made by the Trump administration earlier this year – including early retirement incentives and the “Fork in the Road” buyouts – the HHS workforce will be reduced from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees, a level the department has not seen since 2002. The reorganization is expected to take effect at the end of May. An administration fact sheet on the restructuring can be found here.

 

Senate Confirms, Advances Health Nominees – The Senate confirmed several of President Trump’s health nominees upon returning from its week-long recess last week. Jay Bhattacharya, MD was confirmed as director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Marty Makary, MD was confirmed as commissioner of Food and Drugs. Dr.  Bhattacharya was confirmed in a party line vote of 53-47, while Dr. Makary was confirmed in a 56-44 vote with the support of Democrats Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), and Dick Durbin (Ill.). The chamber also confirmed Michael Kratsios to serve as director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in a 74-25 vote. The Senate Finance Committee advanced the nomination of Mehmet Oz, MD to serve as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Tuesday. His nomination was advanced in a 14-13 party line vote and the Senate is expected to take up the nomination soon.

 

White House Taps Acting CDC Director to Lead Agency – The White House has nominated Susan Monarez, PhD to serve as the next director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Monarez is currently acting director at the agency, a position she has held since January 23. Prior to joining CDC, she worked as the deputy director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, the biomedical innovation agency created during the Biden administration. Monarez has also held positions at the Health Resources and Services Administration, the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Biomedical Advanced Research Projects Authority during her career. The Trump administration recently withdrew the nomination of former congressman Dave Weldon, MD to lead the CDC when it became clear that Weldon did not have the votes to be confirmed by the Senate. Several Republican senators had raised concerns about Weldon’s views on vaccine safety and effectiveness. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended Monarez’s nomination, stating in a social media post “I handpicked Susan for this job because she is a longtime champion of MAHA [Make America Healthy Again] values, and a caring, compassionate and brilliant microbiologist and a tech wizard who will reorient CDC towards public health and gold-standard science.” Other health nominations recently announced by the administration include Thomas March Bell, general counsel for House Republicans, to serve as HHS Inspector General; Brian Christine, MD, a urologist, to serve as HHS Assistant Secretary for Health; and Alex Adams, director of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, to serve as HHS Assistant Secretary for Family Support.

 

Fox News Contributor Selected to Lead Office of National Drug Control Policy – President Trump announced on Friday that Sara Carter, a journalist and Fox News contributor, will be nominated to lead the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). If confirmed by the Senate, Carter will be the first woman to lead ONDCP, the office responsible for coordinating public health and law enforcement efforts to address opioid and substance use issues. Carter has never served in government but has written about and discussed illegal immigration and drug trafficking issues extensively.

 

U.S. Expected to Reach Debt Limit in August or September – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the nation will reach the debt limit in August or September 2025, a date known as the “X date” when the U.S. would default on its national debt. The 2023 suspension of the debt limit expired on January 1, but the Treasury Department is using so-called extraordinary measures to temporarily keep the government from defaulting on its debt. Congressional Republicans are expected to include a debt limit increase in a forthcoming budget reconciliation package. In response to CBO’s latest projection, House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) highlighted that the House budget resolution raised the debt limit while “responsibly pairing it with meaningful fiscal reforms that will rein-in spending, reignite economic growth, and reduce our debt to GDP.” He urged the Senate to “move with urgency” to pass a budget resolution that aligns with the House version so that Congress can move forward with the reconciliation process. Reportedly, Senate Republicans hope to act on a budget resolution this week.

 

CBER Director Peter Marks to Resign – Peter Marks, MD, director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), announced his resignation last week. Marks cited U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “misinformation and lies” about the safety of vaccines as the reason for his departure. Marks was reportedly offered the choice of resigning or being fired by Kennedy. “It has become clear that truth and transparency are not desired by the Secretary, but rather he wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies,” Marks wrote in his letter of resignation. Marks first joined the FDA in 2012 and has served as head of CBER since 2016. He was a key figure in the establishment of Operation Warp Speed to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee legislative hearing to review S. 222, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, and Improving Children’s Health;” 10:00 a.m.; April 1

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “Harnessing Biomedical Innovation: Modernizing VA Healthcare for the Future;” 10:15 a.m.; April 1

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Examining the FDA’s Regulation of Over-the-Counter Monograph Drugs;” 10:15 a.m.; April 1

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Aging Technology, Emerging Threats: Examining Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities in Legacy Medical Devices;” 10:30 a.m.; April 1

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Answering the Call: Examining VA’s Mental Health Policies;” 2:00 p.m.; April 2

 

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “A Healthy Workforce: Expanding Access and Affordability in Employer-Sponsored Health Care;” 2:00 p.m.; April 2

 

Senate Judiciary Committee markup to consider S. 527, Prescription Pricing for the People Act; S. 1040, A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit product hopping; S. 1041, A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to address the infringement of patents that claim biological products; S. 1097, Interagency Patent Coordination and Improvement Act; S. 1095, Stop STALLING Act; and S. 1096, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics and Biosimilars; 10:15 a.m. April 3

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.2268 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recognize nurse registries for purposes of the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mast, Brian J. [Rep.-R-FL-21]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2264 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to automatically pay dependency and indemnity compensation to a survivor of a veteran with a service-connected mental disorder who dies by suicide; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2263 — Telehealth Coverage Act – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2251 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Down syndrome; Sponsor: Estes, Ron [Rep.-R-KS-4]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.2245 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the amount paid by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to veterans for improvements and structural alterations furnished as part of home health services; Sponsor: Bacon, Don [Rep.-R-NE-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2244 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish presumptions of service connection for diseases associated with firefighting; Sponsor: Bacon, Don [Rep.-R-NE-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.239 — Raising awareness of the racial disparities in the impact of colorectal cancer on the Black community; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.238 — 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.Res.236 — Expressing support for the goals of a “NICU Baby’s Bill of Rights”; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.235 — Recognizing the importance of sleep health and expressing support for the designation of the week of March 9 through March 15, 2025, as “Sleep Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Dean, Madeleine [Rep.-D-PA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.1095 — A bill to enable the Federal Trade Commission to deter filing of sham citizen petitions to cover an attempt to interfere with approval of a competing generic drug or biosimilar, to foster competition, and facilitate the efficient review of petitions filed in good faith to raise legitimate public health concerns, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1096 — A bill to prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, and to prohibit biological product manufacturers from compensating biosimilar and interchangeable companies to delay the entry of biosimilar biological products and interchangeable biological products; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1097 — A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to establish an interagency task force between the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the Food and Drug Administration for purposes of sharing information and providing technical assistance with respect to patents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1098 — 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.245 — Recognizing the significance of Sjögren’s disease as a serious and systemic autoimmune disease and expressing support for the designation of April 2025 as “Sjögren’s Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2283 — 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.2309 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Peters, Scott H. [Rep.-D-CA-50]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.138 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.1104 — A bill to amend section 495 of the Public Health Service Act to require inspections of foreign laboratories conducting biomedical and behavioral research to ensure compliance with applicable animal welfare requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schmitt, Eric [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1105 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve risk adjustment under Medicare Advantage; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1129 — Dietary Guidelines Reform Act of 2025 – A bill to amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 to improve the dietary guidelines, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

 

H.Res.253 — Expressing support for the designation of May 15, 2025, as “Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day” to raise awareness of and promote research on the disorder; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2314 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals with approved medical residency training programs to submit to the Secretary of Health and Human Services certain information regarding osteopathic and allopathic candidates for such programs; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2319 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a review to evaluate the status of research on lung cancer in women and underserved populations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2320 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a refundable credit for expenses incurred for mobility devices; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2326 — To amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 to improve the dietary guidelines, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Jackson, Ronny [Rep.-R-TX-13]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.2339 — 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.R.2340 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the automatic qualification of certain Medicaid beneficiaries for premium and cost-sharing subsidies under part D of the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2343 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage and payment of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency Disorder treatment under part B of such title, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Salazar, Maria Elvira [Rep.-R-FL-27]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.Res.143 — A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2025, as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day” to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; Sponsor: Fischer, Deb [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1132 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include peer supports as a supportive service within the National Family Caregiver Support Program, to require States to consider the unique needs of caregivers whose families have been impacted by substance use disorder, including opioid use disorder, in providing services under such program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Budd, Ted [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1134 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the Office of Patient Advocacy of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Cramer, Kevin [Sen.-R-ND]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1139 — A bill to amend the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 to modify and reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1140 — A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to lower barriers to increase patient access to health care; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1144 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care; Sponsor: Thune, John [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1147 — A bill to establish clear and consistent biological definitions of male and female; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1157 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a review to evaluate the status of research on lung cancer in women and underserved populations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.256 — Supporting the designation of March 2025 as Endometriosis Awareness Month; Sponsor: Scott, David [Rep.-D-GA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2363 — To prohibit the authorization of certain individuals to access certain systems containing individually identifiable health information; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2369 — Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat certain amounts paid for physical activity, fitness, and exercise as amounts paid for medical care; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2372 — Disclosure; and Encouragement of Verification, Innovation, Cleaning, and Efficiency (DEVICE) Act – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to enhance medical device communications and ensure device cleanliness; Sponsor: Lieu, Ted [Rep.-D-CA-36]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2378 — To establish clear and consistent biological definitions of male and female; Sponsor: Miller, Mary E. [Rep.-R-IL-15]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.2381 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize and improve the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program for fiscal years 2026 through 2030, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2382 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide that governmental pension plans may include certain firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2383 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the use of Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grants to purchase life-saving opioid antagonists for schools and to provide related training and education to students and teachers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Neguse, Joe [Rep.-D-CO-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2385 — To establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Obernolte, Jay [Rep.-R-CA-23]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.2387 — To prohibit Federal funds from being used for sex-trait altering treatments for minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Onder, Robert [Rep.-R-MO-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

S.1164 — A bill to allow additional individuals to enroll in standalone dental plans offered through Federal Exchanges; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1168 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of portable ultrasound transportation and set up services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1173 — 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.1186 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to apply prescription drug inflation rebates to drugs furnished in the commercial market and to change the base year for rebate calculations; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.2404 — To provide for a study on the effects of remote monitoring on individuals who are prescribed opioids; Sponsor: Balderson, Troy [Rep.-R-OH-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2414 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a military and civilian partnership for trauma readiness grant program; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2419 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow all individuals to contribute to health savings accounts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davidson, Warren [Rep.-R-OH-8]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2426 — To require a study on the quality of care difference between mental health and addiction therapy care provided by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non-Department providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fallon, Pat [Rep.-R-TX-4]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2433 — To ensure that prior authorization medical decisions under Medicare are determined by physicians; Sponsor: Green, Mark E. [Rep.-R-TN-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2436 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat distributions from health savings accounts for funeral expenses of the account beneficiary as qualified distributions; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2437 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals to provide information on available hospice programs to certain individuals upon discharge under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2445 — To prohibit implementation of the rule entitled “Medicaid Program; Streamlining the Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes”, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, Mike [Rep.-R-UT-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2450 — To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1984 to increase oversight of pharmacy benefit management services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McDonald Rivet, Kristen [Rep.-D-MI-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2469 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate the benefits of abortion doula care and coverage; Sponsor: Strickland, Marilyn [Rep.-D-WA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2471 — To update the National Action Plan for Adverse Drug Event Prevention to consider advances in pharmacogenomic research and testing, to improve electronic health records for pharmacogenomic information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Swalwell, Eric [Rep.-D-CA-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2477 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of portable ultrasound transportation and set up services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

House Judiciary Subcommittee Opens Probe into U.S. Medical Residency System – The House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust has launched an antitrust investigation into the nation’s medical residency system. Subcommittee Chairman Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.) has written to stakeholder organizations about antitrust exemptions for medical residency programs and accreditation associations. Fitzgerald asserts that the residency antitrust exemption “has distorted the American medical residency market, undermining free market principles to the detriment of the nation’s doctors and the patients who rely on them.”  The letters request information about complaints related to the matching process, resident compensation limits, resident working conditions, and the mobility of residents between residency positions. The panel is seeking responses from the American Medical Association, National Resident Matching Program, Duke University Health System, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Stanford University Medical Center, Association of American Medical Colleges, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, American Osteopathic Association, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

 

Hawley Questions Dr. Oz About Past Statements Re: Gender Affirming Care, Abortion – Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is expressing reservations about the nomination of Mehmet Oz, MD to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In a social media post last week, Hawley raised questions about Dr. Oz’s past statements in support of gender affirming care for minors and opposition to pro-life state laws. Hawley suggests that Oz, a cardiothoracic surgeon, disavow his former views and confirm his alignment with President Donald Trump’s positions. The Senate Finance Committee will vote to advance Oz’s nomination to the full Senate for consideration on Tuesday. Sen. Hawley is not a member of the Finance Committee.

 

Trump Administration Postpones Telehealth Prescribing Rules – The White House has postponed the implementation of two Biden administration-era regulations – the first regarding access to buprenorphine treatment via telemedicine encounter, and the second dealing with continuity of care via telemedicine for Veterans Affairs patients. The rules, which were set to go into effect March 21, have been postponed until December 31. The Trump administration cites the need to review public feedback on the policies and “any questions of fact, law, and policy that the rules may raise” as the reason for postponement.

 

Trump Fires Two FTC Commissioners, Creating Uncertainty for PBM Lawsuit – The Trump administration dismissed two Democratic commissioners – Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter – from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last week. The move calls into question the future of the FTC’s work to investigate the business practices of the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry. Bedoya and Slaughter were overseeing a lawsuit against CVS Health Corp., Cigna Group, and UnitedHealth Group Inc. which alleged that the PBMs used illegal rebate programs to keep less expensive insulin products off of drug formularies. The FTC’s two GOP members had recused themselves from the case, which remains in active litigation.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization oversight hearing “Closing the Data Gap: Improving Interoperability Between VA and Community Providers;” 3:00 p.m.; March 24

 

Senate Finance Committee open executive session to consider favorably the nomination of Mehmet Oz, of Pennsylvania, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; 9:30 a.m.; March 25

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health markup of pending legislation; 2:15 p.m.; March 25

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health oversight hearing “Breaking Down Barriers: Getting Veterans ACCESS to Lifesaving Care;” 2:30 p.m.; March 25

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.2168 —To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the use of home cardiorespiratory monitors for infants, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Yakym, Rudy [Rep.-R-IN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2161 —To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit certain types of human-animal chimeras; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.2149 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for a presumption of service connection for diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents for certain veterans who served in Guam; Sponsor: Moylan, James C. [Del.-R-GU-At Large]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2120 — To amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program exempt from budget neutrality adjustment requirements, and to amend section 1128A of title XI of the Social Security Act to create a new statutory exception for the provision of free or discounted transportation for radiation oncology patients to receive radiation therapy services; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2114 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the National Organ Transplant Act to prohibit certain organ transplants with specified connections to the People’s Republic of China; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2111 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to exempt the premium cigar industry from certain regulations; Sponsor: Donalds, Byron [Rep.-R-FL-19]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2107 —To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program of payments to children’s hospitals that operate graduate medical education programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crenshaw, Dan [Rep.-R-TX-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2106 —To establish a grant program to support schools of medicine and schools of osteopathic medicine in underserved areas; Sponsor: Costa, Jim [Rep.-D-CA-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2105 — To address the importation and proliferation of machinegun conversion devices; Sponsor: Casten, Sean [Rep.-D-IL-6]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Judiciary; Homeland Security

 

H.R.2092 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a task force to improve access to health care information technology for non-English speakers; Sponsor: De La Cruz, Monica [Rep.-R-TX-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.225 — Supporting the designation of March as “Autoimmune Awareness Month” and supporting efforts to increase awareness of autoimmune diseases and increase funding for autoimmune disease research; Sponsor: Stevens, Haley M. [Rep.-D-MI-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.1087 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust allowable direct and indirect costs for nursing and allied health education programs; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1085 — 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.1082 — A bill to apply the Medicaid asset verification program to all applicants for, and recipients of, medical assistance in all States and territories, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1080 —A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income certain federally subsidized loan repayments for dental school faculty; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1076 —A bill to address the importation and proliferation of machinegun conversion devices; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1074 — A bill to provide for a study on the accessibility of substance use disorder treatment and mental health care providers and services for farmers and ranchers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.128 — A resolution recognizing March 14, 2025, as “Black Midwives Day” and the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.231 — Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States; Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Armed Services

 

H.R.2172 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2178 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a program of research related to cerebral palsy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2185 — To protect public health and human safety by prohibiting the farming of mink for their fur, to compensate farmers as they transition out of the industry, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Espaillat, Adriano [Rep.-D-NY-13]; Committees: House – Agriculture; Budget

 

H.R.2191 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to revise certain physician self-referral exemptions relating to physician-owned hospitals; Sponsor: Griffith, H. Morgan [Rep.-R-VA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2193 — To require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take certain actions with respect to the health insurance program carried out under chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grothman, Glenn [Rep.-R-WI-6]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.2197 — To prevent 340B covered entities from using savings derived for sex reassignment surgeries, hormonal therapies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Johnson, Dusty [Rep.-R-SD-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2199 — 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: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2202 — To prohibit taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: LaMalfa, Doug [Rep.-R-CA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2213 — To authorize the President to enter into trade agreements for the reciprocal elimination of duties or other import restrictions with respect to medical goods to contribute to the national security and public health of the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Rules

 

H.R.2214 — To improve services provided by pharmacy benefit managers; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2220 – To preserve access to emergency medical services; Sponsor: Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [Rep.-D-WA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2223 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make loans, loan guarantees, and grants for purchasing, planning, constructing, or renovating pediatric or adult mental health treatment facilities and pediatric or adult substance use disorder treatment facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2226 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit discrimination against entities that do not participate in abortion and to strengthen implementation and enforcement of Federal conscience laws; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2229 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the ability of veterans to make appointments for mental health care furnished by the Secretary; Sponsor: Steil, Bryan [Rep.-R-WI-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2232 — To amend title XVIII to protect patient access to ground ambulance services under part B of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2234 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update certain standards regarding anesthesia and pain management services in the Veterans Health Administration; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

Congress Passes Stopgap Spending Bill – Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) last week ahead of Friday’s deadline for avoiding a federal government shutdown. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 mostly funds the federal government at current discretionary spending levels through the end of fiscal year 2025 on September 30. It also extends the health provisions, including telehealth flexibilities, that were included in the December 2024 CR until September 30/October 1, 2025. It does not include any additional health provisions such as an update to Medicare physician fee schedule payments. The House of Representatives passed the seven-month funding patch on Tuesday in a 217-213 vote. Democrat Jared Golden (ME) voted yes, while Republican Thomas Massie (KY) voted no. The bill was passed by the Senate on Friday in a 54-46 vote. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Angus King (I-Maine) voted yes, while Sen. Rand Paul, MD (R-Ky.) voted no.

 

In the days leading up to the vote, Senate Democrats had weighed the potential consequences of forcing a government shutdown, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) eventually concluding that a shutdown was not worth the risk of empowering the Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency to make further cuts to government agencies. Eight Democratic votes were necessary to meet the 60-vote procedural threshold prior to final bill passage. Ten Democrats – Sens. Schumer, John Fetterman (Pa.), Catherine Cortez Masto (Nev.), Dick Durbin (Ill.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii), Gary Peters (Mich.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (N.H.), Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), and Angus King (I-Maine) — ultimately joined Republicans in voting to advance the bill, setting up final passage later that day.

 

Murphy, Carter Secure Assurances on Reconciliation Package – Republican leadership of the House of Representatives reportedly have agreed to address cuts to Medicare physician payments in the forthcoming reconciliation bill to advance President Donald Trump’s domestic policy agenda. Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.) announced in a social media post last week that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) will eliminate the 2.8% physician payment cut that took effect in January via the budget reconciliation process. Murphy, who co-chairs the GOP Doctors Caucus, had originally pushed for inclusion of the doc-fix in the December 2024 year-end package, and again in the continuing resolution passed last week. Congress is also under pressure from physician organizations to address the cut: more than 100 groups wrote to lawmakers asking them to take a stand to protect Medicare patient access and insist that language on the 2025 Medicare physician payment cut be added to the government funding package before the vote.

 

Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) told reporters last week that he too had received a commitment from GOP leadership to include measures to overhaul the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry in the Republican reconciliation bill. Carter chairs the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and is a champion of PBM reform. He recently acknowledged that PBM regulations for the commercial market are unlikely to qualify under the Senate’s Byrd rule, which dictates what provisions can be included in a budget reconciliation package. Carter believes PBM proposals impacting Medicare and Medicaid, however, would qualify.

 

Democratic Physician Lawmakers Form New Caucus – The Congressional Doctors Caucus has officially been included in the 119^th Congressional Member and Staff Organizations (Caucuses) list.  The co-chairs include all six Democratic physicians in the House of Representatives: Ami Bera (CA), Raul Ruiz (CA), Kim Schrier (WA), Maxine Dexter (OR), Kelly Morrison (MN), and Herb Conaway (NJ). Upon passage of the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 last week, the group released a statement criticizing Republicans’ failure to include a fix to the physician fee schedule cuts that went into effect at the start of 2025. “The Trump Administration and Republican leadership has once again turned its back on physicians and patients across the country…These reimbursement cuts will only worsen the physician workforce shortage, increase consolidation in the health care industry, close rural practices, and further drive up costs for seniors,” the lawmakers stated.

 

Trump Administration Health Personnel Update – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced the nominations of Martin Makary, MD to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs, and Jay Bhattacharya, MD to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health. Democrats Maggie Hassan (N.H.) and John Hickenlooper (Colo.) joined Republicans in support of Makary’s nomination, which advanced in a 14-9 vote. Bhattacharya’s nomination was advanced in a 12-11 party-line vote. Both nominees are expected to be confirmed by the full Senate when they return from a scheduled recess.

 

The White House withdrew the nomination of Dave Weldon, MD to serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday, the same day Dr. Weldon was scheduled to appear before the HELP Committee for the first ever CDC director confirmation hearing. HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) stated that the panel did not have the votes to advance Weldon’s nomination. According to reports, some Senate Republicans had raised concerns about the nominee’s views on vaccines, as well as his lack of strategic vision for the CDC and understanding of how the agency operates. During his time in Congress, the former Florida GOP representative repeatedly questioned the safety of vaccines and promoted the claim that vaccines cause autism. The White House has not yet announced a new nominee to lead the CDC.

 

Mehmet Oz, MD appeared before the Senate Finance Committee for his nomination hearing to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. During his testimony, Dr. Oz – one of the nation’s best-known doctors and a former U.S. Senate candidate – highlighted the three big ideas he will pursue if confirmed by the Senate: empowering beneficiaries with better tools and more transparency so they can better manage their health and navigate the complex health care system; incentivizing health care providers to optimize their care with real time information within their workflow; and modernizing tools to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse. During the hearing, Oz faced questions about potential cuts to the Medicaid program as well as how to address Medicare Advantage’s (MA) use of prior authorization and improve the overall value of the MA program.

 

Cassidy Forms CDC Working Group – Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) announced the formation of a GOP working group to reform the CDC. In a press release to mark the launch of the working group, Cassidy cited his concerns with the weaknesses of the agency that were exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The public depends on CDC to deliver clear, unbiased health guidance, especially in times of crisis,” Cassidy stated. “While I’m encouraged the Trump administration is committed to improving health transparency, we need lasting legislative reforms to ensure CDC is able to meet Americans’ public health needs.”  The group is comprised of Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rand Paul, MD (R-Ky.), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

 

Shaheen Announces Plans to Retire – Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) announced last week that she will not run for reelection next year. Shaheen was first elected to the Senate in 2008. She currently serves on the Appropriations Committee and is the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She is the third Senate Democrat to announce their retirement this year, alongside Sens. Gary Peters (Mich.) and Tina Smith (Minn.).

 

Arizona Democrat Raúl Grijalva Dies at 77 – Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) passed away on March 13 at the age of 77. The Arizona congressman was undergoing treatment for lung cancer. First elected to Congress in 2002, he served as a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, was Chair Emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, and a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. A special primary election will be held on July 15 and a special general election on September 23. Until his seat is filled, the GOP will hold a 218-213 majority, meaning they can lose two Republicans on any party-line vote.

 

Medical Groups Urge NIH to Reconsider Indirect Cost Cap – Over 40 of the nation’s leading medical organizations have sent a joint letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) expressing concerns over the agency’s proposal to impose a 15% cap on indirect cost rates for all NIH grants. The letter underscores the potential impact of this change on the long-term sustainability of the U.S. biomedical research enterprise. “The collateral damage of this policy, if implemented, will be profound and generational, reshaping the future of scientific progress in ways that cannot be easily undone,” the letter states. “Beyond its immediate financial strain, the policy introduces significant procedural and structural issues that undermine the integrity of federal research funding.”

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization oversight hearing “Closing the Data Gap: Improving Interoperability Between VA and Community Providers;” 3:00 p.m.; March 24

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health oversight hearing “Breaking Down Barriers: Getting Veterans ACCESS to Lifesaving Care;” 2:30 p.m.; March 25

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.921 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.209 — Expressing support for the designation of April 5, 2025, as “Barth Syndrome Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.210 — Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Foreign Affairs

 

H.J.Res.76 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Updates to New Chemicals Regulations Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)”; Sponsor: Higgins, Clay [Rep.-R-LA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1968 — Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations; Budget

 

H.R.1969 — 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.1970 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to reimburse State homes for the cost of, or to furnish to State homes, certain costly medications provided to veterans who receive nursing home care in such State homes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1971 — 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.1972 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the period during which the referral of a veteran, made by a health care provider of the Department of Veterans Affairs, to a non-Department provider, for care or services under the Community Care Program of such Department, remains valid; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1978 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategy to treat obesity as a disease and reduce the prevalence of obesity in certain Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.1980 — To reauthorize and make improvements to the State medical stockpile pilot program administered by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response through fiscal year 2030; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2001 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2002 —To amend title XXX of the Public Health Service Act to establish standards and protocols to improve patient matching; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2004 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lieu, Ted [Rep.-D-CA-36]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2005 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide for certain adjustments to Medicare payment for items of durable medical equipment that were formerly included in round 2021 of the DMEPOS competitive bidding program; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2013 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for eligibility for coverage of home health services under the Medicare program on the basis of a need for occupational therapy; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2015 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit hospitals from taking into account vaccination status in selecting organ recipients; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

S.J.Res.36 — A joint resolution 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 “Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V)”; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.927 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure accurate payments to pharmacies under Medicaid and to prevent the use of abusive spread pricing practices under Medicaid; Sponsor: Welch, Peter [Sen.-D-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.931 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide incentives for behavioral health integration; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.932 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mullin, Markwayne [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.939 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for dental and oral health care, hearing care, and vision care under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.942 — A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for interest-free deferment on student loans for borrowers serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.946 — A bill to clarify training requirements for prescribers of controlled substances; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.957 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to eliminate consideration of the income of organ recipients in providing reimbursement of expenses to donating individuals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.958 — A bill to support the use of technology in maternal health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.2028 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for interest-free deferment on student loans for borrowers serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program; Sponsor: Babin, Brian [Rep.-R-TX-36]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2039 — To prohibit the President and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from declaring certain emergencies or disasters for the purpose of imposing gun control; Sponsor: Cloud, Michael [Rep.-R-TX-27]; Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2040 — To authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2041 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to clarify and strengthen the application of certain employer-sponsored health plan disclosure requirements; Sponsor: Courtney, Joe [Rep.-D-CT-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.2044 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to provide self-harm and suicide prevention services in primary care offices, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeSaulnier, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2045 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage of dental, vision, and hearing care under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.2048 — To amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting periods for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2049 — To prohibit the limitation of access to assisted reproductive technology, and all medical care surrounding such technology; Sponsor: Gillen, Laura [Rep.-D-NY-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2062 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat membership in a health care sharing ministry as a medical expense, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2068 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the assignment of patient advocates at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.2075 — To prohibit the Federal Government from conducting or supporting any research involving human fetal tissue that is obtained pursuant to an induced abortion, and to prohibit the solicitation or knowing acquisition, receipt, or acceptance of a donation of such tissue; Sponsor: Onder, Robert [Rep.-R-MO-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.2079 — 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.2082 — To amend title II of the Social Security Act to provide for long-term care insurance benefits, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Suozzi, Thomas R. [Rep.-D-NY-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.2085 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for a credit against tax for expenses for translational research regarding neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions; Sponsor: Thompson, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.975 – A bill to establish a grant program to support schools of medicine and schools of osteopathic medicine in underserved areas; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.976 — A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to reduce fraudulent enrollments in qualified health plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.977 — A bill to prohibit taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.983 — A bill to direct the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics and are not subject to the hearing aid coverage exclusion under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.987 — A bill to prohibit the Federal Government from conducting, funding, approving, or otherwise supporting any research involving human fetal tissue that is obtained pursuant to an induced abortion, and to prohibit the solicitation or knowing acquisition, receipt, or acceptance of a donation of such issue; Sponsor: Hyde-Smith, Cindy [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.992 — A bill to authorize funding for the creation and implementation of infant mortality pilot programs in standard metropolitan statistical areas with high rates of infant mortality, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Hollen, Chris [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.998 — A bill to authorize the President to enter into trade agreements for the reciprocal elimination of duties or other import restrictions with respect to medical goods to contribute to the national security and public health of the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.999 — A bill to reform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limit the scope of public health authorities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schmitt, Eric [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1004 — A bill to reauthorize the program to support residential treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1007 — A bill to amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to secure the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mullin, Markwayne [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1022 — A bill to reauthorize the program for strengthening communities of recovery for individuals with substance use disorders; Sponsor: Lujan, Ben Ray [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1031 — A bill to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act to create a Radiation Oncology Case Rate Value Based Payment Program exempt from budget neutrality adjustment requirements, and to amend section 1128A of title XI of the Social Security Act to create a new statutory exception for the provision of free or discounted transportation for radiation oncology patients to receive radiation therapy services; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1036 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize fellowships under the Minority Fellowship Program to be awarded for training for professionals in the addiction medicine field; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1040 — A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to prohibit product hopping, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1041 — A bill to amend title 35, United States Code, to address the infringement of patents that claim biological products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1044 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements to the redistribution of residency slots under the Medicare program after a hospital closes; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1055 — A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to modify the notification requirement for emergency contract health services for certain beneficiaries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Indian Affairs

 

S.1056 — A bill to establish a home-based telemental health care grant program for purposes of increasing mental health and substance use services in rural medically underserved populations and for individuals in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1058 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify congressional intent and preserve patient access to home infusion therapy under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1062 — A bill to authorize a pilot program to expand and intensify surveillance of self-harm in partnership with State and local public health departments, to establish a grant program to provide self-harm and suicide prevention services in hospital emergency departments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Reed, Jack [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

House to Consider Clean CR Ahead of Friday’s Government Funding Deadline – The House of Representatives plans to consider a clean continuing resolution (CR) on the floor this week in advance of the March 14 government funding deadline. The Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, which was crafted by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) in coordination with the White House, funds the federal government at current discretionary spending levels through the remainder of fiscal year 2025. It would also extend the health provisions that were included in the December 2024 CR until September 30/October 1, 2025. It does not include any additional health provisions such as an update to Medicare physician fee schedule payments. The path forward for the government funding bill remains unclear. Democratic support is needed to clear the 60-vote threshold to advance legislation in the Senate. In the House, Democrats stand united against a clean CR, leaving the House GOP with a narrow margin for passage. As we await congressional action to address Friday’s deadline, Hart Health Strategies Inc. has put together a document outlining the various health provisions included in the last CR that are slated to expire in the coming weeks. The document is included as an addendum to this newsletter.

 

 

House Passes Chronic Disease Coverage Bill – The House of Representatives passed the Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 919) last week. The legislation, which was passed by voice vote, would allow for pre-deductible coverage of certain health care services that treat common chronic illnesses under high-deductible health plans. These services include beta-blockers for patients with congestive heart failure, blood pressure monitors for patients with high blood pressure, glucometers for patients with diabetes, inhaled corticosteroids and peak flow meters for patients with asthma, and cholesterol drugs and testing for patients with heart disease. The bill codifies a Trump administration IRS policy first established in 2019.

 

Senate Democrats Introduce Standalone Health Package – Democratic leaders in the Senate have introduced standalone legislation featuring the bipartisan health care policies lawmakers had originally agreed to include in the 2024 year-end package. The Bipartisan Health Care Act (S. 891) includes the health provisions that were part of the December 17 government funding bill before it was narrowed prior to passage. These provisions include reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager industry, reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act and PAHPA, extension of telehealth flexibilities, and increases to Medicare bonuses for alternative payment model participation and Medicare physician payments. The effort is being led by Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who are pushing to pass the bill via unanimous consent. Under unanimous consent, a single senator can object and prevent passage.

 

State of the Union – President Donald Trump delivered the first address of his second term in office to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night. The theme of the speech was “Renewal of the American Dream.” During the nearly 100-minute address, which set a record for longest speech to a joint session of Congress, the President outlined his domestic policy agenda, centering on immigration, tariffs, tax cuts, and the restructuring of the federal government. While health care was not a focus of the speech, the President did mention the newly established Presidential Commission to Make America Healthy Again, promising to prioritize addressing the increasing rate of childhood cancer. “Our goal is to get toxins out of our environment, poisons out of the food supply, and keep our children healthy and strong,” the President stated. Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was removed from the chamber by the House Sergeant at Arms, and later censured by the House of Representatives, for repeatedly interrupting the President’s address. Rep. Green later stated that he wished to make clear that the President “has no mandate to cut Medicaid,” in reference to the GOP’s recently passed budget resolution. Other Democrats in the chamber held paddles in protest during the address, which featured the message “Save Medicaid.”

 

CBO Provides Estimates of E&C Program Spending – In response to a request from congressional Democrats, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released a memo providing information on projections of mandatory spending for programs under the jurisdiction of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Democrats have asserted that the House-passed fiscal year 2025 budget resolution, which calls for $880 billion in savings over the next decade to come from the Energy and Commerce Committee, will necessitate cuts to the Medicaid program. CBO’s projections support this assertion, estimating that non-Medicaid programs in the committee’s jurisdiction only add up to $581 billion over the next 10 years, leaving at least $299 billion in savings to come from Medicaid. The House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee held the first in a series of hearings last week to hear from Americans who rely on Medicaid for their health care.

 

HELP Committee Holds Confirmation Hearings for NIH, FDA Nominees – The Senate HELP Committee held confirmation hearings last week for President Donald Trump’s nominees for director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and commissioner of Food and Drugs. Jay Bhattacharya, MD, the health economist and Stanford Medical School professor who has been nominated to lead the NIH, promised to establish a culture of scientific dissent at the agency during his prepared remarks. He also endorsed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement to prioritize the prevention and treatment of chronic disease, and he spoke at length on the need to address the public’s distrust of the scientific establishment. Dr. Bhattacharya pledged to conduct his own assessment of the personnel and resources necessary for the NIH in response to repeated questioning about recent agency terminations and grantmaking slowdown at the direction of the Department of Government Efficiency. When questioned about the administration’s proposed cap on indirect costs for NIH-funded research, Bhattacharya expressed support for the use of audits to increase transparency around the use of such funds.

 

Marty Makary, MD, a Johns Hopkins surgeon and the President’s nominee to lead the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), spoke about his mission of radical transparency to rebuild public trust in federal health agencies during his opening remarks. Dr. Makary was questioned multiple times about the cancelation of a meeting of the FDA’s vaccine advisory panel and other recent decisions made by the Trump administration impacting agency staffing; he told panel members that he has not been involved in any such decisions. In response to questions about whether he would maintain patient access to the abortion drug mifepristone, Makary stated that he would follow the law and requirements outlined in the drug’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies. When questioned about high drug costs, the nominee expressed support for addressing patent thickets, strengthening generic and biosimilar competition, and moving products over the counter to increase price transparency.

 

The HELP Committee will vote on both nominations on Thursday. Bhattacharya and Makary each appear to have the votes necessary to be confirmed by the Senate. Immediately following the HELP Committee votes, the panel will convene a confirmation hearing for former congressman Dave Weldon, MD, who has been nominated to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This will be the first ever CDC confirmation hearing; the pandemic preparedness PREVENTS Act passed in 2022 established a new requirement that the CDC director be subject to Senate confirmation. The Senate Finance Committee will meet on Friday to consider the nomination of Mehmet Oz, MD, to serve as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

Nationwide Preliminary Injunction Issued Against NIH in Response to Indirect Cost Rate Cuts – On Wednesday, March 5, Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of NIH guidance aimed at capping NIH funding for indirect research costs. The court found that NIH failed to provide an adequate rationale for the policy change (rendering it “arbitrary and capricious”) and did not follow the required notice-and-comment process under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Additionally, the court agreed with the plaintiffs—which included 22 state attorneys general and major research institutions—that the NIH policy would cause irreparable financial harm to those affected.

 

The preliminary injunction prevents NIH from imposing the 15% cap on indirect costs across states and institutions nationwide until the case can be fully determined on the merits. While the administration contends that the cuts would allocate more money to direct research (including savings of approximately $4 billion annually), the plaintiffs have argued it would undermine critical infrastructure. Following the preliminary injunction, it’s not yet clear whether the federal government’s response will include a challenge to the injunction and/or a separate attempt to achieve the rate cuts through other administrative means (e.g., appeals to Congress to change the underlying administrative procedures).

 

Trump Administration Drops Lawsuit on Emergency Abortions – The Trump administration has dropped a lawsuit against the state of Idaho related to the right to emergency abortion care. The case, which was initiated by the Biden administration, argued that the state’s near-total abortion ban is subject to the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act’s (EMTALA) requirements that abortion be offered when it constitutes the necessary stabilizing treatment for a pregnant patient experiencing a medical emergency. While the Department of Justice moved to dismiss the case on Wednesday, an Idaho health system secured a temporary restraining order that same day as a part of a separate lawsuit that bars the state attorney general from prosecuting medical providers who perform abortions to treat an emergency medical condition.

 

NIH to Centralize Peer Review – The NIH announced plans last week to centralize peer review of all applications for grants, cooperative agreements, and research and development contracts within the agency’s Center for Scientific Review (CSR). Under the proposed consolidation, CSR will conduct all first-level research proposals, eliminating reviews by Institutes’ and Centers’ study sections. NIH estimates that the proposed approach will save more than $65 million annually by eliminating duplicative efforts across the agency. The proposal is now under review with implementation pending external review by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Office of Management and Budget, providing Congress with a 15-day notification period, and issuing a Federal Register notice.

 

CDC Plans for Study on Vaccines, Autism – The CDC is reportedly planning a study on the potential link between vaccines and autism. While the news follows the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously promoted anti-vaccine views, as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it remains unclear if the Secretary is involved with the planned study. The U.S. is currently in the midst of one of the nation’s largest measles outbreaks of the past decade, with more than 200 cases in twelve states and two deaths in Texas and New Mexico. In response to the outbreak, Secretary Kennedy wrote an op-ed titled “Measles Outbreak is Call to action for All of Us” explaining that the “MMR vaccine is crucial to avoiding potentially deadly disease.”

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to receive testimony on stabilizing the Military Health System to prepare for large-scale combat operations; 9:30 a.m.; March 11

 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to consider pending legislation; 10:30 a.m.; March 11

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing “After the Hospital: Ensuring Access to Quality Post-Acute Care;” 2:00 p.m.; March 11

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing; 2:15 p.m.; March 11

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Breaking the Cycle of Senior Loneliness: Strengthening Family and Community Support;” 3:30 p.m.; March 12

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session to consider the nominations of Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health and Dr. Martin Makary to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs; 9:30 a.m.; March 13

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing on the nomination of Dr. David Weldon to Serve as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 10:00 a.m.; March 13

 

Senate Finance Committee hearing to consider the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to be Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator; 10:00 a.m.; March 14

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.812 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a form for reimbursement of certain travel expenses by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.817 — A bill to provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to forced organ harvesting within the People’s Republic of China, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cruz, Ted [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.819 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax rate parity among all tobacco products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.822 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a process for science-focused drug development meetings led by the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration with respect to drugs for rare diseases and conditions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.180 — Supporting the designation of March 2025 as National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month; Sponsor: Green, Mark E. [Rep.-R-TN-7]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.Res.182 — Expressing support for the designation of March 3, 2025, as “National Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Day”; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.1775 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify the criteria for designation of rural emergency hospitals; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1776 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a reinsurance program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Palmer, Gary J. [Rep.-R-AL-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.1784 — To amend titles XI and XVIII of the Social Security Act to strengthen health care waste, fraud, and abuse provisions; Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1785 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish requirements for the provision of certain high-cost durable medical equipment and laboratory testing, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1793 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for outreach requirements for Department of Veterans Affairs training and rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hamadeh, Abraham [Rep.-R-AZ-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1794 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an Abraham Accords Office within Food and Drug Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1796 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a sickle cell disease prevention and treatment demonstration program; Sponsor: James, John [Rep.-R-MI-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1798 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax rate parity among all tobacco products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Krishnamoorthi, Raja [Rep.-D-IL-8]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1802 – To prohibit the use of animals in federally funded research, promote the adoption of humane and scientifically advanced alternatives, and ensure the ethical rehoming of retired research animals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Malliotakis, Nicole [Rep.-R-NY-11]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture; Rules

 

H.R.1805 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend Medicare-dependent hospital and Medicare low-volume hospital payments, and to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to carry out a report on Medicare rural hospital classifications; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1806 — To provide for research and education with respect to triple-negative breast cancer, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1812 — To amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a grant program for multigenerational activities for long-term care facilities; Sponsor: Strickland, Marilyn [Rep.-D-WA-10]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

S.825 — A bill to require the Attorney General to propose a program for making treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.830 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the program relating to lifespan respite care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.832 — A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to equalize the negotiation period between small-molecule and biologic candidates under the Drug Price Negotiation Program; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.185 — Recognizing the need of Congress to prevent, address, and treat obesity as a disease in the United States on this World Obesity Day, March 4, 2025; Sponsor: Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [Rep.-D-FL-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1842 — 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

 

S.851 — A bill to amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to disqualify any State that discriminates against parents or guardians who oppose medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological treatment, or clothing and social changes related to affirming the subjective claims of gender identity expressed by any minor if such claimed identity is inconsistent with such minor’s biological sex from receiving funding under such Act; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.854 — A bill to amend title 31, United States Code, to establish the Life Sciences Research Security Board, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.862 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy to certain veterans with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder; Sponsor: Tuberville, Tommy [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.863 — A bill to provide consumers with the right to delete their genomic data, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.864 — A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to apply financial assistance towards the cost-sharing requirements of health insurance plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.1843 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to increase transparency in generic drug applications; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1860 — To designate Regional Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Care Coordinators to expand the work of the Breast and Gynecologic Oncology System of Excellence at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Garcia, Sylvia R. [Rep.-D-TX-29]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1864 — To amend title 31, United States Code, to establish the Life Sciences Research Security Board, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Griffith, H. Morgan [Rep.-R-VA-9]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1866 — GUARD Act – To amend the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to disqualify any State that discriminates against parents or guardians who oppose medical, surgical, pharmacological, psychological treatment, or clothing and social changes related to affirming the subjective claims of gender identity expressed by any minor if such claimed identity is inconsistent with such minor’s biological sex from receiving funding under such Act; Sponsor: Hageman, Harriet M. [Rep.-R-WY-At Large]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.1867 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove in-person requirements under Medicare for mental health services furnished through telehealth and telecommunications technology; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1875 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require certain additional provider screening under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1878 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an income tax credit for fertility treatments; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.Res.119 — A resolution memorializing those lost to the COVID-19 pandemic; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.879 — A bill to expand medical, employment, and other benefits for individuals serving as family caregivers for certain veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.882 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to assure pharmacy access and choice for beneficiaries under prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans and to establish requirements of pharmacy benefit managers under Medicare part D; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.891 — A bill to extend expiring health provisions and improve health care delivery; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.906 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a pilot program to support evidence-based mental health peer support activities for students; Sponsor: Hickenlooper, John W. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.J.Res.74 — Disapproving the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to “Prohibition on Creditors and Consumer Reporting Agencies Concerning Medical Information (Regulation V)”; Sponsor: Norman, Ralph [Rep.-R-SC-5]; Committees: House – Financial Services

 

H.R.1899 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow for the furnishing of audio-only telehealth services; Sponsor: Feenstra, Randy [Rep.-R-IA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1901 — To amend title XXI of the Social Security Act to permanently extend the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1902 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to improve the detection, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues among public safety officers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bera, Ami [Rep.-D-CA-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.1906 — To provide for the prioritization of projects that provide behavioral and mental health treatment services in selecting grantees under certain rural development programs, and extend the substance abuse disorder set-aside and priority under the programs; Sponsor: Budzinski, Nikki [Rep.-D-IL-13]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.1909 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize support for State-based maternal mortality review committees, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to disseminate best practices on maternal mortality prevention to hospitals, State-based professional societies, and perinatal quality collaboratives, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1921 — To direct the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to clarify that fully implanted active middle ear hearing devices are prosthetics and are not subject to the hearing aid coverage exclusion under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1922 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exempt certain drugs from the part D manufacturer discount program under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1924 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a new criterion for the nonapplication of site-neutral payments to long-term care hospitals under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1931 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to facilitate patient access to certain pediatric technologies; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1937 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recognize nurse registries for purposes of the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mast, Brian J. [Rep.-R-FL-21]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1947 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense to furnish stellate ganglion block to veterans and members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Perry, Scott [Rep.-R-PA-10]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1950 — To protect benefits provided under Social Security, Medicare, and any other program of benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Rules

 

H.R.1961 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish and implement a department-wide after-action program and a risk communication strategy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1966 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration, to award grants to expand and improve maternal health care services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

House Adopts Trump-Backed Budget Resolution – The House of Representatives passed its fiscal year 2025 budget resolution (H.Con.Res. 14) last week in a 217-215 vote. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to join Democrats in opposition to the measure. The House proposal, which President Donald Trump endorsed and refers to as “one big, beautiful bill,” paves the way for a budget reconciliation bill that includes at least $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade.

 

The House fiscal blueprint calls for $880 billion in savings over the next decade to come from the Energy and Commerce Committee, which many Democrats have asserted will necessitate cuts to the Medicaid program. GOP leadership have repeatedly offered assurances that any reductions in spending will be aimed at waste, fraud, and abuse, and will not impact Medicaid benefits or cut federal payments to the program. Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) specifically stated that “massive cuts in the program just aren’t going to happen” while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) confirmed that the GOP is not considering per-capita caps or changes to the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage. Johnson recently suggested the possibility of Medicaid work requirements, while Guthrie has discussed reducing or eliminating the taxes levied by states on physicians and hospitals to support state Medicaid expenditures instead of general funds.  The Congressional Research Service estimates that such a change could generate $612 billion in savings over 10 years.

 

The House and the Senate must now align on a unified resolution to continue advancing the budget reconciliation process. The budget framework passed by the Senate last month does not include tax policy, setting up a two-bill approach to the budget reconciliation process and the President’s domestic policy agenda, in contrast to the House’s proposal to address border security, energy provisions, and extension of the 2017 tax cuts in a single reconciliation package. While Speaker Johnson stated in an interview that he does not expect the Senate to make changes to the House’s budget resolution, it remains unclear whether the measure has enough support amongst the Senate GOP for passage. Some Senate Republicans have expressed concerns about various aspects of the House resolution, including language that would raise the debt ceiling.

 

FY 2025 Government Funding Update – Separate from the budget reconciliation process, Congress has until March 14 when the current continuing resolution expires to reach an agreement on government funding for fiscal year 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has acknowledged that Congress will likely resort to another stopgap spending bill instead of individual appropriations measures to avoid a federal government shutdown. Congressional negotiations are currently stalled, with Democrats demanding that Republicans rein in recent actions by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency in exchange for their support of government funding legislation.

 

Lawmakers Consider Path Forward for PBM Reform – The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing last week on pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. During the hearing, members from both sides of the aisle expressed support for reviving the package of PBM reforms that was included as a part of the bipartisan end-of-year spending deal before it was narrowed prior to passage. Democrats strongly support moving the proposals as a standalone bill rather than including them in an eventual reconciliation package. While Health Subcommittee Chair Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) admitted that his party remains uncertain of how to proceed, he acknowledged in an interview last week that new PBM regulations for the commercial market are unlikely to qualify under the Senate’s Byrd rule, which dictates what provisions can be included in a budget reconciliation package. Carter believes PBM proposals impacting Medicare and Medicaid, however, would qualify.

 

Grassley Probes UnitedHealth’s Medicare Advantage Billing Practices – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has sent a letter to United Health Group requesting information about the company’s Medicare Advantage billing practices. The letter cites reports of fraud, waste, and abuse at the company, including instances of utilizing obscure patient diagnoses that were irrelevant or inaccurate to generate revenue, resulting in inappropriate payments totaling $8.7 billion in 2021. Grassley requests that UnitedHealth provide its training manuals, guidance documents, compliance program details, audit results, and other documents.

 

HHS Secretary Issues Policy Restricting Regulatory Transparency – On February 28, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a Policy on Adhering to the Text of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) that will allow the Department to pursue certain regulatory changes without public comment periods, unless otherwise required by law.  Under the APA, federal agencies are generally required to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register and give the public an opportunity to engage in rulemaking through the submission of comments.  The APA exempts from these requirements “matter(s) relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts.”  It also permits an agency to forgo these requirements for “good cause” when the agency finds that the procedures are “impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.”  However, in 1971, the Department adopted a policy known as the Richardson Waiver, which waived these APA exemptions, thus requiring the APA to use notice and comment rulemaking procedures for these types of matters and to use the good cause exception “sparingly.”

 

The policy issued last week rescinds the Richardson Waiver, thus reinstating the APA exemption for these types of matters.  It states that “Agencies and offices of the Department have discretion to apply notice and comment procedures to these matters, but are not required to do so, except as otherwise required by law.”  The policy also clarifies that the “good cause” exception should be used in appropriate circumstances in accordance with the requirements of the APA and that the Department will continue to follow notice and comment rulemaking procedures in all instances in which it is required to do so by the statutory text of the APA.

 

Although the policy does not specify which rules will no longer be subject to notice and comment rulemaking, it could have broad implications—particularly on the ability of the public to comment on HHS’ decisions on grants, contracts, and agency personnel.  At the same time, it is unlikely that this policy will impact Medicare payment rules, as statute generally requires those policies to be updated through regulations or Federal Register notices.

 

OMB, OPM Issue Reductions in Force Memo – The Trump administration issued a memo last week instructing federal agencies, including HHS, to submit reorganization plans for “large-scale reductions in force” by March 13. The memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management directs agencies to “focus on the maximum elimination of functions that are not statutorily mandated while driving the highest-quality, most efficient delivery of their statutorily required functions.” While recent layoffs by the Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency have focused on probationary employees, the reductions in force described in the recent memo could impact a broader swath of the federal workforce.

 

Presidents Signs E.O. on Health Price Transparency – President Donald Trump signed an executive order (E.O.) related to health care price transparency last week. The order directs the Departments of HHS, Labor, and Treasury to update their enforcement policies to increase compliance with price transparency regulations finalized during the first Trump administration in 2019. The policies require hospitals and health plans to make detailed pricing data publicly available online. The order specifically directs the departments to:

• Ensure hospitals and insurers disclose actual prices, not estimates, and take action to make prices comparable across hospitals and insurers, including prescription drug prices; and
• Update their enforcement policies to ensure hospitals and insurers are in compliance with requirements to make prices transparent.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing on the nomination of Jayanta Bhattacharya to serve as Director of the National Institutes of Health; 10:00 a.m.; March 5

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Members Day hearing; 10:30 a.m.; March 5

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing on the nomination of Martin Makary to serve as Commissioner of Food and Drugs; 10:00 a.m.; March 6

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.1510 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the Medicaid coverage exclusion for inmates in custody pending disposition of charges, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Turner, Sylvester [Rep.-D-TX-18]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1509 —To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to streamline the enrollment process for eligible out-of-state providers under Medicaid and CHIP; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1506 —To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat qualified water competency and water safety lesson expenses as medical expenses; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1503 —To combat forced organ harvesting and trafficking in persons for purposes of the removal of organs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs; Judiciary

 

H.R.1497 — To replace the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with 3 separate national research institutes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1493 — To reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pallone, Frank [Rep.-D-NJ-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; press release

 

H.R.1492 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to equalize the negotiation period between small-molecule and biologic candidates under the Drug Price Negotiation Program; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1484 — To direct the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide for a report on the health impacts of air traffic noise and pollution, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lynch, Stephen F. [Rep.-D-MA-8]; Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.1480 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a rural health center innovation awards program and a rural health department enhancement program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kustoff, David [Rep.-R-TN-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1476 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide a phase-in for plasma-derived products under the manufacturer discount program; Sponsor: Hudson, Richard [Rep.-R-NC-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1466 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to clarify liability protections regarding emergency use of automated external defibrillators; Sponsor: Franklin, Scott [Rep.-R-FL-18]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1465 — To restrict the availability of Federal funds to organizations associated with the abortion industry; Sponsor: Foxx, Virginia [Rep.-R-NC-5]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.1463 —To prohibit the use of Federal funds to implement, administer, or enforce a final rule of the Food and Drug Administration relating to “Medical Devices; Laboratory Developed Tests”, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1452 — To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 relating to work requirements; to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish work requirements under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Burlison, Eric [Rep.-R-MO-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Agriculture

 

H.R.1448 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to award grants for peer mental health first aid, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Balint, Becca [Rep.-D-VT-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1447 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to maintain the prohibition on allowing any deduction or credit associated with a trade or business involved in trafficking marijuana; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.683 —  A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand eligibility for incentives under the Medicare health professional shortage area bonus program to practitioners furnishing mental health and substance use disorder services; Sponsor: Peters, Gary C. [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.690 — A bill to combat the fentanyl crisis; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.694 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide a phase-in for plasma-derived products under the manufacturer discount program; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.699 —A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to address liability for payment of charges or costs associated with the provision of purchased/referred care services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rounds, Mike [Sen.-R-SD]; Committees: Senate – Indian Affairs

 

H.R.1517 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to add physical therapists to the list of providers allowed to utilize locum tenens arrangements under Medicare; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1518 — To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to preventing end-stage kidney disease, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1520 —To prohibit discrimination on the basis of mental or physical disability in cases of organ transplants; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1521 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to improve health care coverage under vision and dental plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1523 — To provide for the inclusion of virtual diabetes prevention program suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1525 — To prohibit the use or declaration of a public health emergency with respect to abortion, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1532 — 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.1539 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to expand the types of devices for which required labeling may be made available solely by electronic means, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Obernolte, Jay [Rep.-R-CA-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1540 — To provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to forced organ harvesting within the People’s Republic of China, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Perry, Scott [Rep.-R-PA-10]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs; Judiciary

 

S.Res.93 — A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the operations of the National Institutes of Health should not experience any interruption, delay, or funding disruption in violation of the law and that the workforce of the National Institutes of Health is essential to sustaining medical progress; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.95 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of February 23, 2025, to March 1, 2025, as “National Fentanyl Awareness Week” and raising awareness of the negative impacts of fentanyl in the United States; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.702 —A bill to require a study on the quality of care difference between mental health and addiction therapy care provided by health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs compared to non-Department providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.705 —A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Reed, Jack [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.709 — A bill to provide incentives to physicians to practice in rural and medically underserved communities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.717 —A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand and expedite access to cardiac rehabilitation programs and pulmonary rehabilitation programs under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Capito, Shelley Moore [Sen.-R-WV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.721 —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

 

S.724 — A bill to extend the temporary scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances for 6 months; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.729 —A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance compliance with hospital price transparency requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.1561 — To require research with respect to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, to authorize the use of grant funds for such test strips, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crockett, Jasmine [Rep.-D-TX-30]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1562 — To amend the 21st Century Cures Act to expressly authorize the use of certain grants to implement substance use disorder and overdose prevention activities with respect to fentanyl and xylazine test strips; Sponsor: Crockett, Jasmine [Rep.-D-TX-30]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1563 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to clarify that the possession, sale, purchase, importation, exportation, or transportation of drug testing equipment that tests for the presence of fentanyl or xylazine is not unlawful; Sponsor: Crockett, Jasmine [Rep.-D-TX-30]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1585 —To provide incentives to physicians to practice in rural and medically underserved communities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

S.735 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a sickle cell disease prevention and treatment demonstration program; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.738 — A bill to provide a moratorium on all Federal research grants provided to any institution of higher education or other research institute that is conducting dangerous gain-of-function research; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.739 — A bill to amend title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.750 — A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing, enforcing, or otherwise giving effect to a final rule regarding minimum staffing for nursing facilities, and to establish an advisory panel on the nursing home workforce; Sponsor: Fischer, Deb [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.752 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to streamline enrollment under the Medicaid program of certain providers across State lines; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.755 — A bill to facilitate the development of treatments for cancers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.760 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to renew the application of the Medicare payment rate floor to primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.1598 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities; Sponsor: Ciscomani, Juan [Rep.-R-AZ-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1610 — 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: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.1614 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand practitioners eligible to furnish telehealth services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R-PA-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1616 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit nurse practitioners and physician assistants to satisfy the documentation requirement under the Medicare program for coverage of certain shoes for individuals with diabetes; Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1620 — To facilitate the development of treatments for cancer, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1627 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to allow for the use of telehealth in substance use disorder treatment, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Norcross, Donald [Rep.-D-NJ-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.1632 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for reciprocal marketing approval of certain drugs, biological products, and devices that are authorized to be lawfully marketed abroad, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Rules

 

S.Res.104 — A resolution designating February 27, 2025, as “Rare Disease Day”; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.763 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules; Sponsor: Daines, Steve [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.767 — A bill to amend the Office of National Drug Control Prevention Act of 1998 to include new requirements for assessments and reports, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Mark [Sen.-D-AZ]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.774 — A bill to prohibit the use of funds to seek membership in the World Health Organization or to provide assessed or voluntary contributions to the World Health Organization until certain conditions have been met; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.779 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Public Health Service Act to provide for prevention and early intervention services under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Padilla, Alex [Sen.-D-CA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.786 — 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.787 — 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 programs; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.793 — A bill to amend the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2019 to modify and reauthorize the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.797 — A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to protect and expand access to fertility treatment under the health insurance program carried out under chapter 89 of that title, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.800 — A bill to modify the Precision Medicine for Veterans Initiative of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.172 — Raising awareness for the sarcoma cancer chordoma; Sponsor: Johnson, Henry C. “Hank” [Rep.-D-GA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.175 — Recognizing the seriousness of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and expressing support for the designation of the month of September as “PCOS Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Scott, David [Rep.-D-GA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1644 — 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.1645 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the continued implementation of the Climate and Health program by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1646 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require a lactation space in each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1647 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to implement the Climate Ready Tribes Initiative; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1649 — To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve mental health services for students, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Allen, Rick W. [Rep.-R-GA-12]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.1650 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to permanently extend the exemption for telehealth services from certain high deductible health plan rules; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1657 — To substantially restrict the use of animal testing for cosmetics, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Beyer, Donald S. [Rep.-D-VA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1667 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for acupuncturist services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1669 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Stop, Observe, Ask, and Respond to Health and Wellness Training Program; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1670 —To require Federal employee health benefit plans to include assisted reproductive treatment benefits, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Connolly, Gerald E. [Rep.-D-VA-11]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.1671 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide for a presumption of service-connection under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for certain diseases associated with the COVID-19 vaccine that become manifest during the one-year period following the receipt of the vaccine, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davidson, Warren [Rep.-R-OH-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.R.1672 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to protect access to genetically targeted technologies; Sponsor: Davis, Donald G. [Rep.-D-NC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1683 — To prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing, enforcing, or otherwise giving effect to a final rule regarding minimum staffing for nursing facilities, and to establish an advisory panel on the nursing home workforce; Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1699 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program under which a TRICARE Prime beneficiary may access obstetrical and gynecological care without a referral, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.1703 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to clarify payment rules for manual wheelchairs under part B of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1708 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust allowable direct and indirect costs for nursing and allied health education programs; Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1715 —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

 

H.R.1720 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend certain telehealth flexibilities with respect to hospice care under the Medicare program, and to establish a modifier for recertifications of hospice care eligibility conducted through telehealth; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1735 — To amend title XIX of the Public Health Service Act to provide for prevention and early intervention services under the Block Grants for Community Mental Health Services program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1750 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for greater investments in research on rare diseases and conditions disproportionately affecting minority populations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Strickland, Marilyn [Rep.-D-WA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Natural Resources

Senate Adopts Limited Scope Budget Resolution – The Senate adopted its fiscal year 2025 budget resolution last week in a 52-48 vote, the first stage in the budget reconciliation process that would allow Republicans to bypass the filibuster and pass qualifying legislation with a simple majority. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) joined all Democrats in opposing the resolution. The upper chamber’s proposal would authorize $85.5 billion in annual spending fully offset by corresponding cuts in spending. Republicans rejected 30 Democratic amendments during the “vota-a-rama” in which unlimited amendments were permitted to be offered. Republicans unanimously adopted an amendment calling on the final budget reconciliation bill to strengthen and improve Medicaid for the most vulnerable populations, as well as an amendment calling for a reduction in spending on federal regulations. The Senate resolution sets up a two-reconciliation bill approach – with the first budget reconciliation bill targeting policies related to energy, defense, and border control, leaving tax policy for a second, future piece of reconciliation legislation.

 

The House of Representatives was in recess last week but returns to session on Monday. The House is scheduled to consider its budget resolution on the floor in the coming days. The House blueprint paves the way for a budget reconciliation bill that includes at least $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade. The Senate budget resolution was passed shortly after President Donald Trump surprised Senate Republicans by endorsing the House-approach of one reconciliation bill.

 

E&C Issues RFI on Data Privacy – Republican leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee has issued a request for information (RFI) on the parameters of a federal comprehensive data privacy and security framework. The RFI follows the panel’s formation of a data privacy working group. The committee poses specific questions related to personal information, transparency, and consumer rights; existing privacy frameworks and protections; data security; artificial intelligence; and accountability and enforcement. Stakeholders should submit their responses to [email protected] no later than April 7, 2025.

 

Updates on State Coalition Lawsuit Against NIH in Response to Indirect Cost Rate Cuts – On February 10, 2025, a coalition of 22 Attorneys General filed a lawsuit against the federal government in response to new National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidance that would impose a 15% cap on indirect cost rates for NIH grants. The coalition is seeking both preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent the NIH from implementing the guidance. In response to the initial complaint, Judge Angel Kelley of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) that barred the implementation of the rate cuts in the plaintiff states. The TRO was then expanded nationwide.

 

On Friday, February 21, the court heard oral arguments from both parties, which included debate of whether the plaintiffs would suffer “irreparable harm” from the decreased funding. The plaintiffs outlined a series of potential damages, including the loss of skilled research support staff, facility maintenance challenges, equipment operation disruptions, clinical trial interruptions, and reductions in community health services. In response, the federal government argued that such harms could be mitigated by alternative funding sources, including private investments.

 

Beyond the question of irreparable harm, the court will examine whether NIH was obligated to follow notice and comment rules when issuing its guidance. While the plaintiffs contend that the guidance creates procedural rights and duties, the federal government has countered that the guidance is merely an interpretive statement (rather than a rule which requires notice and comment periods).

 

Judge Kelley is set to weigh all arguments in determining whether to issue a preliminary injunction—and if so, whether it should be confined to the plaintiff states or applied nationwide. In the interim, the TRO has been expanded until the court can rule on the injunction question.

 

Trump Administration Weighs in on USPSTF Braidwood Lawsuit – The Trump administration has filed its first brief in a Supreme Court case that will decide the constitutionality of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The case, which will be heard before the Court later this year, follows a lower court ruling that the USPSTF is unconstitutional because its members wield power that resembles legislative authority without being appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  The Trump White House has aligned itself with its Biden administration predecessors in defending the Affordable Care Act’s preventive services mandate and requirements for no-cost access to services; however, the new administration goes further in its arguments regarding the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) secretary. The Biden administration previously argued that USPSTF’s authority derives from the HHS secretary, who retains a supervisory role over the task force. The Trump administration further argues that the HHS secretary has full authority over USPSTF, including final say over its membership, recommendations, and course of studies.

 

Latest Executive Orders from the Trump White House – President Donald Trump signed an executive order (E.O.) last week that aims to expand access to invitro fertility treatments. While the E.O. requires the Domestic Policy Council to draft policy recommendations to both protect IVF access and reduce out-of-pocket and health plan costs for the treatment, congressional action would be necessary to place any coverage mandates on self-funded health plans. The President also signed an E.O. titled Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy. In addition to eliminating the non-statutory components and functions of the Presidio Trust, the Inter-American Foundation, the United States African Development Foundation, and the United States Institute of Peace, the order also terminates the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Long COVID within HHS and the Health Equity Advisory Committee within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing “From Reset to Rollout: Can the VA EHRM Program Finally Deliver?” 3:00 p.m.; February 24

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “An Examination of How Reining in PBMs Will Drive Competition and Lower Costs for Patients;” 10:00 a.m.; February 26

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Combating the Opioid Epidemic;” 3:30 p.m.; February 26

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.1396 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish the generic drugs and biosimilars production credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1392 — 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 individuals in prison or jail; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1384 — To authorize Department of Veterans Affairs health care providers to provide recommendations and opinions to veterans regarding participation in State marijuana programs; Sponsor: Mast, Brian J. [Rep.-R-FL-21]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1381 — COVID-19 Vaccination Non-Discrimination Act – To prohibit Federal funds from being made available to entities that refuse to provide treatment based on COVID19 vaccination status; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1370 — Unobligated Spending Adjustment to Focus Investment on Relief and Support for Taxpayers Act – To transfer unobligated funds from the United States Agency for International Development to the Disaster Relief Fund; Sponsor: Brecheen, Josh [Rep.-R-OK-2]; Committees: House – Appropriations

 

H.R.1364 — Automotive Support Services to Improve Safe Transportation (ASSIST) Act – To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide clarification regarding the inclusion of medically necessary automobile adaptations in Department of Veterans Affairs definition of “medical services”; Sponsor: Barrett, Tom [Rep.-R-MI-7]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.605 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.607 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling appointments for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.609 — A bill to improve mental health services of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.617 — A bill to permit the Attorney General to award grants for accurate data on opioid-related overdoses, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.R.1403 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to verify certain eligibility criteria for individuals enrolled for medical assistance quarterly, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1404 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the maximum age for children eligible for medical care under the CHAMPVA program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1405 — To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study to assess the key regulatory barriers that impede the expansion or siting of new pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1406 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the coverage of additional lung cancer screening tests under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1407 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to remove geographic requirements and expand originating sites for telehealth services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1410 — To amend title XXXIII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to flexibility and funding for the World Trade Center Health Program; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1414 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restore the amount of the orphan drug tax credit; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1417 — To expand and codify the Rural Hospital Technical Assistance Program of the Department of Agriculture and rename it as the Rural Health Care Facility Technical Assistance Program; Sponsor: Jackson, Ronny [Rep.-R-TX-13]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.1424 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the employer tax credit for paid family and medical leave; Sponsor: Mackenzie, Ryan [Rep.-R-PA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1427 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the amount of the adoption credit and to establish the in vitro fertilization expenses credit; Sponsor: Mackenzie, Ryan [Rep.-R-PA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1432 — To prohibit any Federal law from making the manufacturer of a COVID-19 vaccine immune from suit or liability, or limiting the liability of such a manufacturer, with respect to claims for loss caused by, arising out of, relating to, or resulting from the administration to or the use by an individual of a COVID-19 vaccine, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1433 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to renew the application of the Medicare payment rate floor to primary care services furnished under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1435 — To amend title V of the Social Security Act to extend funding for the family-to-family health information centers; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.628 — A bill to suspend the entry of covered aliens in response to the fentanyl public health crisis; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.632 — A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to allow Indian Health Service scholarship and loan recipients to fulfill service obligations through half-time clinical practice, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Indian Affairs

 

S.635 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to recognize nurse registries for purposes of the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tuberville, Tommy [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.641 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for the personal importation of safe and affordable drugs from approved pharmacies in Canada; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.652 — 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.653 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat membership in a health care sharing ministry as a medical expense, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Budd, Ted [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.654 — 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.664 — A bill to replace the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases with 3 separate national research institutes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.665 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish the Health Engagement Hub Demonstration Program to increase access to treatment for opioid use disorder and other substance use disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cantwell, Maria [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.666 — A bill to increase access to mental health, substance use, and counseling services for first responders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.668 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Falls Prevention of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.678 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to verify certain eligibility criteria for individuals enrolled for medical assistance quarterly, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.Res.87 — A resolution designating February 2025 as “American Heart Month”; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Latest Action: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

Senate Confirms RFK Jr. as HHS Secretary – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was sworn in as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday. The Senate confirmed Kennedy earlier that day by a vote of 52-48. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was the only Republican to join the Democratic caucus in opposing RFK’s confirmation on the Senate floor. McConnell is a childhood polio survivor who has repeatedly expressed concerns about the new HHS secretary’s history of questioning the safety of scientifically proven vaccines.

 

President Signs EO to Establish MAHA Commission – President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday launching the Make America Healthy Again Commission. The new commission, which will be chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is charged with assessing the current state of pediatric chronic disease and releasing a strategy to address the issue within 180 days. The order specifically contains the following directives for federal agencies:

• All federally funded health research should empower Americans through transparency and open-source data, and should avoid or eliminate conflicts of interest that skew outcomes and perpetuate distrust;
• The National Institutes of Health and other health-related research funded by the federal government should prioritize gold-standard research on the root causes of why Americans are getting sick;
• Agencies shall work with farmers to ensure that United States food is the healthiest, most abundant, and most affordable in the world; and
• Agencies shall ensure the availability of expanded treatment options and the flexibility for health insurance coverage to provide benefits that support beneficial lifestyle changes and disease prevention.

 

Budget Committees Mark Up FY 2025 Budget Resolutions – The House and Senate Budget committees began the budget reconciliation process last week, each marking up separate fiscal year 2025 budget resolutions. The Senate Budget Committee advanced its blueprint for a reconciliation bill focused on border security, the military, and domestic energy production in an 11-10 party line vote. To fully offset the $85.5 billion package, the resolution outlines minimum savings to be achieved by each congressional committee. The resolution requires that the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee each report changes in law that reduce the deficit by at least $1 billion over the next ten years.

 

The House fiscal blueprint was approved in a 21-16 party line vote. The House’s budget resolution calls for $880 billion in savings over the next decade to come from the Energy and Commerce Committee. Energy and Commerce Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) has stated that GOP leadership is deferring to committee leaders on exactly how this spending target will be reached. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated that the chamber will vote on adopting the resolution before the end of the month. The House will reconvene following the chamber’s President’s Day recess on February 24.

 

 

E&C Republicans Form Data Privacy Working Group – Republican leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee announced the formation of a data privacy working group last week. The group, which will be led by Vice Chair John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.), plans to explore a framework for the creation of a national data privacy standard. The working group will also include Reps. Morgan Griffith (Va.), Troy Balderson (Ohio), Jay Obernolte (Calif.), Russell Fry (S.C.), Nick Langworthy (N.Y.), Tom Kean (N.J.), Craig Goldman (Texas), and Julie Fedorchak (N.D.). Stakeholders interested in engaging with the working group can reach out to [email protected] for more information.

 

Senate Dems Urge White House to Protect Medicare, Medicaid – More than 30 Senate Democrats have signed a letter to the Trump administration expressing concern about the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) recent visit to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) during which DOGE representatives gained access to CMS’ payment and contracting systems. The letter, led by Sens. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), warns that it is “dangerously unacceptable” that DOGE leader Elon Musk has access to sensitive CMS systems. “Masquerading as a false crusade against waste, fraud, and abuse, Musk appears intent to break the programs that seniors, people with disabilities, children, and families rely on to get their health care,” the senators write. They express opposition to any efforts by the administration to cut or damage the Medicare or Medicaid programs.

 

Court Temporarily Blocks New NIH Funding Policy – A federal court has granted a temporary restraining order barring the nationwide implementation of the White House’s attempt to reduce funding for research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A hearing date is scheduled for February 21. The Trump administration had directed the NIH to cut funding for extramural research by capping the maximum indirect cost rate at 15%. Such rates average nearly 30%, though some universities have negotiated rates over 60%. The NIH estimates that the cuts would save about $4 billion annually. Twenty-two states filed a lawsuit in response to the change, arguing that the cap is in violation of statute protecting negotiated indirect cost rates. The proposed cap on indirect costs has been met with widespread opposition by Democrats on Capitol Hill but has garnered a more mixed reaction amongst Republicans. Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-Health and Human Services Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) responded that indirect costs need to be brought “in line with what would be considered reasonable cost share.” Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine), however, stated that the cuts “would be devastating, stopping vital biomedical research and leading to the loss of jobs” and noted that the move was in violation of the appropriations package passed by Congress last March, which included language prohibiting the use of funds to modify indirect costs.  In fact, each of the appropriations bills since the third quarter of fiscal year 2017 have included language prohibiting deviations from negotiated indirect costs rates. That language was enacted following a proposal from the first Trump administration to cap indirect costs at 10 percent, which lawmakers rejected.

 

MN Sen. Smith Announces Plans to Retire – Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) announced last week that she does not plan to seek reelection next year. Smith has served in the Senate since 2018, when she was appointed to fill the seat of Sen. Al Franken (D) following his resignation. She currently serves on the Senate Finance Committee. Smith is the second Senate Democrat – along with Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) – to announce their forthcoming retirement.

 

Rep. Larson Experiences Seizure on House Floor – Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.) experienced a seizure on the House floor last Tuesday. According to a statement from Larson on social media, the lawmaker was seen by the House Attending Physician after his speech momentarily paused on the House floor. It was determined that the cause of the problem was a complex partial seizure. “Fifteen years ago, I had a heart valve replacement due to a variation in the shape of my aortic valve that I was born with,” Larson’s statement explained. “Sometimes, people with this condition can later develop symptoms such as the momentary change in speech or movement that was apparent yesterday.”

 

HHS Personnel Update – President Trump announced several new nominees for positions at HHS last week.

• Gustav Chiarello III was tapped to serve as HHS Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources. Chiarello is senior special counsel at the House Judiciary Committee and a visiting fellow at the Tech and Public Policy Program at Georgetown’s McCourt School of Public Policy. He previously worked as an antitrust attorney at the Federal Trade Commission.
• Gary Andres has been nominated to serve as HHS Assistant Secretary for Legislation. Andres is currently Republican Staff Director for the House Budget Committee. He previously served in the George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush administrations.
• Michael Stuart has been nominated to serve as HHS General Counsel. Stuart is a Republican West Virginia State Senator.

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to consider the nomination of The Honorable Paul Lawrence, Ph.D. to be Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs; 9:30 a.m.; February 19

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing “From Reset to Rollout: Can the VA EHRM Program Finally Deliver?” 3:00 p.m.; February 24

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.1143 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand coverage of the in-home administration of intravenous immune globulin under the Medicare program. Sponsor: Smith, Adrian [Rep.-R-NE-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1142 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish drug adherence guidelines, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Schweikert, David [Rep.-R-AZ-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1140 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals with direct medical care service arrangement to remain eligible individuals for purposes of health savings accounts, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1127 — To establish a demonstration program to provide payments on eligible loans for individuals who are eligible for the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment Program. Sponsor: Kustoff, David [Rep.-R-TN-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1126 — To require a study on public health impacts as a consequence of the February 3, 2023, train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1123 — To abolish the United States Agency for International Development, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Greene, Marjorie Taylor [Rep.-R-GA-14]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs; Appropriations

 

H.R.1120 — To abolish the John E. Fogarty International Center for Advanced Study in the Health Sciences. Sponsor: Gill, Brandon [Rep.-R-TX-26]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1117 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to restrict direct-to-consumer drug advertising. Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1108 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a plan to improve the development and distribution of diagnostic tests during a public health emergency, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.494 — A bill to establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schmitt, Eric [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.500 — A bill to reauthorize certain programs under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McConnell, Mitch [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.501 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop a strategy for public health preparedness and response to artificial intelligence threats, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Budd, Ted [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.502 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore State authority to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile rule for designating critical access hospitals under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.1153 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to support rural residency training funding that is equitable for all States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1157 — To allow individuals to elect to receive contributions to a health savings account in lieu of reduced cost-sharing under health insurance obtained through a health insurance Exchange; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1160 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify the treatment of locum tenens physicians and advanced care practitioners as independent contractors to help alleviate physician shortages, including in underserved areas; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1162 — To facilitate direct primary care arrangements under Medicaid; Sponsor: Crenshaw, Dan [Rep.-R-TX-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1171 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include physical therapists and occupational therapists as health professionals for purposes of the annual wellness visit under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1178 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to add alpha-gal to the definition of “major food allergen”; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.506 — A bill 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: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.521 — 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.523 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal Medicaid funding for the administrative costs of providing health benefits to individuals who are unauthorized immigrants; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.526 — A bill to prevent unfair and deceptive acts or practices and the dissemination of false information related to pharmacy benefit management services for prescription drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.527 — A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to study the role of intermediaries in the pharmaceutical supply chain and provide Congress with appropriate policy recommendations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.529 — A bill to limit cost-sharing for prescription drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warnock, Raphael G. [Sen.-D-GA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.1189 — To establish a national plan to coordinate research on epilepsy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Costa, Jim [Rep.-D-CA-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1191 — 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.1195 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to prohibit Federal Medicaid funding for the administrative costs of providing health benefits to individuals who are unauthorized immigrants; Sponsor: Hudson, Richard [Rep.-R-NC-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1196 — To prohibit the use of Federal funds to eliminate the United States Agency for International Development; Sponsor: Jacobs, Sara [Rep.-D-CA-51]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.1197 — To reauthorize the Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers who deliver Infants Early Act; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1201 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to increase the number of physicians who may be provided Conrad 30 waivers; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1219 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include over-the-counter oral healthcare products as qualified medical expenses which can be purchased with HSA and FSA funds; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1221 — To amend titles II and XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Social Security Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Social Security surplus and a Medicare Surplus Protection Account in the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund to hold the Medicare surplus, to provide for suspension of investment of amounts held in such Accounts until enactment of legislation providing for investment of the Trust Funds in investment vehicles other than obligations of the United States, and to establish a Social Security and Medicare Part A Investment Commission to make recommendations for alternative forms of investment of the Social Security and Medicare surpluses; Sponsor: Walberg, Tim [Rep.-R-MI-5]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.532 — A bill to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to collect registration fees from members of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.540 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the consideration of continuity of health care in determining best medical interest under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tuberville, Tommy [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.547 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a study and issue a report on grant programs to support the nursing workforce; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.551 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the application of a cost-of-living adjustment to the non-labor related portion for hospital outpatient department services furnished in Alaska and Hawaii; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.552 — 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.553 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a floor on payments to sole community hospitals located in Alaska and Hawaii under the hospital outpatient prospective payment system; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.J.Res.46 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Decabromodiphenyl Ether and Phenol, Isopropylated Phosphate (3:1); Revision to the Regulation of Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)”; Sponsor: Clyde, Andrew S. [Rep.-R-GA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.J.Res.58 — 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; Calendar Year (CY) 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; HH Quality Reporting Program Requirements; HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model Requirements; Home Intravenous Immune Globulin (IVIG) Items and Services Rate Update; and Other Medicare Policies”; Sponsor: Clyde, Andrew S. [Rep.-R-GA-9]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1227 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate access to non-opioid pain management drugs under part D of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1244 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require that coinsurance for drugs under Medicare part D be based on the drug’s actual acquisition cost and not the drug’s wholesale acquisition cost; Sponsor: Davis, Donald G. [Rep.-D-NC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1246 – To amend the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to provide support for facilities providing healthcare, education, child care, public safety, and other vital services in rural areas; Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.1248 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the consideration of continuity of health care in determining best medical interest under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Franklin, Scott [Rep.-R-FL-18]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1254 — To improve obstetric emergency care; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1256 — 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 Workforce

 

H.R.1257 — To permit the Attorney General to award grants for accurate data on opioid-related overdoses, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Laurel M. [Rep.-R-FL-15]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1262 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCaul, Michael T. [Rep.-R-TX-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1269 — To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide public safety officer benefits for exposure-related cancers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scanlon, Mary Gay [Rep.-D-PA-5]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

S.J.Res.19 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)”; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.575 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to increase access to services provided by advanced practice registered nurses under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.585 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a pre-transition health care registration process to facilitate enrollment in the patient enrollment system of the Department of Veterans Affairs by members of the Armed Forces who are separating from the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.595 — A bill to establish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Christopher [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.R.1279 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a community engagement requirement for certain individuals under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1288 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to increase the mileage rate offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs through their Beneficiary Travel program for health related travel, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1289 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish and carry out a pilot program to administer to eligible veterans medically-tailored meals and groceries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1290 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program under which the Department of Veterans Affairs refers veterans experiencing mental health crises to approved non-Department mental health care providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1291 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that nonanimal methods are prioritized, where applicable and feasible, in proposals for all research to be conducted or supported by the National Institutes of Health, to provide for the establishment of the National Center for Alternatives to Animals in Research and Testing, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Calvert, Ken [Rep.-R-CA-41]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1300 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for prostate cancer screenings without the imposition of cost-sharing requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1303 — To prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing, administering, or enforcing provisions relating to minimum staffing standards for long-term care facilities and Medicaid institutional payment transparency reporting; Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1305 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a working group to formulate recommendations for standardizing the measurements of loneliness and isolation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Flood, Mike [Rep.-R-NE-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1307 — To establish the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Frost, Maxwell [Rep.-D-FL-10]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1317 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to increase access to services provided by advanced practice registered nurses under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1336 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to furnish hyperbaric oxygen therapy to a veteran who has a traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.1339 — To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to carry out a study relating to the resiliency of Social Security and Medicare; Sponsor: Nunn, Zachary [Rep.-R-IA-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1349 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude providers of certain abortion services from participation in the Medicare program; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1358 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to codify patients’ rights to hospital visitation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

Senate Republicans Release FY 2025 Budget Resolution – On Friday, Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) released the text of the Senate’s fiscal year 2025 budget resolution providing the blueprint for a reconciliation bill focused on border security, the military, and domestic energy production. To fully offset the $85.5 billion package, the resolution outlines minimum savings to be achieved by each congressional committee. The resolution requires that the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee each report changes in law that reduce the deficit by at least $1 billion over the next ten years. The Senate Budget Committee plans to mark up the budget resolution on Wednesday and Thursday. The House Budget Committee, which did not meet last week to mark up a budget resolution as expected, has yet to officially start the budget reconciliation process.

 

Senate Vote on RFK Jr.’s Nomination Expected This Week – The Senate Finance Committee favorably reported the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a 14-13 party line vote on February 4. Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) was the key vote in support of advancing the nomination. Cassidy, Chairman of the Senate HELP Committee, had repeatedly expressed reservations about Kennedy’s history of undermining confidence in vaccines. In his Senate floor speech later that day, Sen. Cassidy detailed his decision to vote yes stating that if confirmed, he and Mr. Kennedy would have “an unprecedently close collaborative working relationship,” and that the nominee committed to working within the current vaccine approval and safety monitoring systems. Kennedy also committed to Cassidy to provide a 30-day notice to the HELP Committee if the agency seeks to make changes to federal vaccine safety monitoring programs.  The Senate voted 52-47 on Thursday on the motion to proceed to executive session to consider RFK’s nomination. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has stated that the full chamber will vote on his confirmation this week.

 

Senate Confirms Doug Collins as VA Secretary – The Senate confirmed Doug Collins to serve as Secretary of Veterans Affairs by a vote of 77-23 last week. Collins is a former Georgia congressman who served in the House of Representatives from 2013 to 2021. Collins has stated that as VA Secretary he will focus on expanding access to community care for veterans as well as implementation of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act (Public Law No: 117-168).

 

Senate Confirms Russ Vought as OMB Director – Russ Vought will serve as Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – the same position he held during President Donald Trump’s first term in office – following his Senate confirmation by a vote of 53-47 last week. Vought previously worked for the Heritage Foundation as well the Republican Study Committee. He is also one of the architects of Project 2025, a conservative blueprint for Trump’s second term. Vought has expressed support for the idea that the Impoundment Control Act is unconstitutional and that the Executive Branch should have more control over spending appropriated by Congress.

 

House Passes Fentanyl Scheduling Bill – The House of Representatives passed the HALT Fentanyl Act (H.R. 27) by a vote of 312-108 last week. The legislation would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances and would modify registration processes for research activities involving controlled substances.  Fentanyl’s temporary scheduling is set to expire on March 31. A similar fentanyl measure in the Republican-controlled Senate has enough Democratic cosponsors to overcome a filibuster.

 

Trump Administration’s Efforts to Downsize Federal Government – During the second week of his second term in office, President Donald Trump offered two million civilian full-time federal employees the opportunity to stop working and receive pay and benefits through September 30 in an attempt to cut the size of the federal government.  The deferred resignation program was paused by a federal judge before it was set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on February 6; in response, the White House delayed the deadline until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, February 10. Reports indicate that the offer has been accepted by more than 50,000 people.  The White House is reportedly aiming to cull the federal workforce by 2 to 5% in total.

 

Recent reports also indicate that the White House is working on an executive order (E.O.) related specifically to the workforce of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) according to multiple news outlets who cite people familiar with the matter. HHS currently employs over 83,000 people. Many of the rumors described below relate to probationary staff – an employment period that can extend one or two years into an individual’s federal service. While employees of probationary status include junior staff, they may also include long-time employees who recently took on new positions. The President issued a related memo on his first day in office ordering all federal agencies to report the names of employees in probationary periods to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) by January 24. OPM issued a new memo last week asking federal agencies to report their poorest-performing employees by March 7.

• The White House has denied that it is drafting an E.O. to cut workers across federal health agencies (Reuters, Feb. 6).
• The E.O. could be signed as soon as the week of February 9 and would require health agencies to cut a certain percentage of employees. HHS officials have been told to prepare lists of probationary workers who have essential roles and must be retained and those who do not (Wall Street Journal, Feb. 6).
• HHS officials have been “urgently” instructed to rank thousands of their employees who are in probationary periods, with as much as 40% to be deemed “not mission critical.” Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been told to rank 10% of their probationary staff as mission-critical, 50% as important, and 40% as not mission-critical. CDC’s rankings were due on February 6. Officials in other federal health agencies described similar requests to rank probationary employees and to justify why probationary employees should be retained. A CDC employee in the office of the chief operating officer said they expected employees identified as non-mission-critical to lose their jobs. About 135 people in the office are in probationary periods (The Washington Post, Feb. 6).
• An estimated 2,800 probationary and full-time CDC employees are at risk (Bloomberg, Feb. 6).
• An email sent to Food and Drug Administration staff on February 6 instructs officials to address “anything related to Covid” and contracts that would “be deemed wasteful by an average citizen if made public,” including General Services Administration contracts for services to support diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility offices, telework, swag or advertising spending. HHS staff were asked to flag any contract that is inconsistent with the President’s recent E.O.s, including those focused on sustainability or “other environmental services not required by the law,” and contracts that support the Biden administration’s telework policies for federal employees (Bloomberg, Feb. 6).

 

CMS Latest Agency to Coordinate with DOGE – The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently visited the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to mine the agency’s data systems for fraud and waste. DOGE representatives gained access to CMS’ payment and contracting systems. The DOGE team has also been working to target any U.S. Department of Health and Human Services contracts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion for cancellation. CMS has two senior agency officials – one focused on policy and one focused on operations – who are leading the collaboration with DOGE, “including ensuring appropriate access to CMS systems and technology,” according to a statement from the agency.  “We are taking a thoughtful approach to see where there may be opportunities for more effective and efficient use of resources in line with meeting the goals of President Trump.” DOGE’s visit to CMS follows similar on-site visits with the Treasury Department and U.S. Agency for International Development.

 

House Democrats Ask GAO to Monitor Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program – Democratic health leaders in the House of Representatives have sent a letter to the Comptroller General asking that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) actively monitor the Trump administration’s operation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The Inflation Reduction Act directs the Comptroller General to conduct oversight of the law, and GAO has previously reviewed implementation of the program. “As the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program continues, new expertise will be developed and honed to improve the processes for successful negotiations in the future,” the letter states. “To build on this important work, we ask that GAO examine the ongoing implementation of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program to ensure that it further reduces prescription drug prices, saves seniors money, and drives down federal spending.”

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Rules Committee hearing on H.R. 77, Midnight Rules Relief Act; 4:00 p.m.; February 10

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health hearing “Modernizing American Health Care: Creating Healthy Options and Better Incentives;” 2:00 p.m.; February 11

 

Senate Budget Committee markup of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025; 10:00 a.m.; February 12

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing “Roles and Responsibilities: Evaluating VA Community Care;” 2:15 p.m.; February 12

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Optimizing Longevity: From Research to Action;” 3:30 p.m.; February 12

 

House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing “The USAID Betrayal;” 8:30 a.m.; February 13

 

Senate Budget Committee continuation of markup of the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2025; 10:00 a.m.; February 13

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.903 — To amend the Clean Air Act to establish a grant program for supporting local communities in detecting, preparing for, communicating about, or mitigating the environmental and public health impacts of wildfire smoke and extreme heat, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Thompson, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.895 —To amend title 18, United States Code, to require the Attorney General to investigate alleged violations of the partial birth abortion ban; Sponsor: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.894 — To authorize grants to implement school-community partnerships for preventing substance use and misuse among youth; Sponsor: Sánchez, Linda T. [Rep.-D-CA-38]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.890 — To amend title 35, United States Code, to prevent double patenting, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ryan, Patrick [Rep.-D-NY-18]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.879 —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.874 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.873 — To amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the TRICARE program based on the location at which such care or services were provided; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.870 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make improvements to the redistribution of residency slots under the Medicare program after a hospital closes; Sponsor: Lee, Susie [Rep.-D-NV-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.852 — To provide the Food and Drug Administration with authority to conduct microbial sampling on concentrated animal feeding operations as necessary to facilitate a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, determine the root cause of an outbreak of foodborne illness, or address other public health needs; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.850 —To provide that silencers be treated the same as firearms accessories; Sponsor: Cloud, Michael [Rep.-R-TX-27]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Judiciary

 

H.R.846 — To prohibit disinformation in the advertising of abortion services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.843 — 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: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.842 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of multi-cancer early detection screening tests; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.830 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to fentanyl-related substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.Res.81 — Commending efforts to eradicate the wild poliovirus; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

S.355 — 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

 

S.376 — A bill to provide the Food and Drug Administration with authority to conduct microbial sampling on concentrated animal feeding operations as necessary to facilitate a foodborne illness outbreak investigation, determine the root cause of an outbreak of foodborne illness, or address other public health needs; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.380 — A bill to improve obstetric emergency care; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.400 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the paid family and medical leave credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fischer, Deb [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.98 — Expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2025, as “National Cancer Prevention Day”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.J.Res.34 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Trichloroethylene (TCE); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)”; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.912 — To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to secure the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Obernolte, Jay [Rep.-R-CA-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.919 — To codify Internal Revenue Service guidance relating to treatment of certain services and items for chronic conditions as meeting the preventive care deductible safe harbor for purposes of high deductible health plans in connection with health savings accounts; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.920 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to list fentanyl-related substances as schedule I controlled substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.929 — To reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.935 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a health care workforce innovation program; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.936 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to provide for State approval and implementation of specified waivers under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Green, Mark E. [Rep.-R-TN-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.946 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to expand and clarify the exclusion for orphan drugs under the Drug Price Negotiation Program; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.950 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish pharmacy benefit manager reporting requirements with respect to prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans under Medicare part D; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.955 — 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.957 — To provide for civil monetary penalties for violations of mental health parity requirements; Sponsor: Norcross, Donald [Rep.-D-NJ-1]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.958 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize funding for grants and contracts for primary care training and enhancement, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Nunn, Zachary [Rep.-R-IA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.961 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to provide veteran health savings accounts to allow veterans to receive primary care furnished under non-Department direct primary care service arrangements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.966 — To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from denying veteran benefits administered by the Secretary by reason of the veteran participating in a State-approved marijuana program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.996 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to enhance the paid family and medical leave credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Feenstra, Randy [Rep.-R-IA-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.999 — To protect an individual’s ability to access contraceptives and to engage in contraception and to protect a health care providers ability to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information related to contraception; Sponsor: Fletcher, Lizzie [Rep.-D-TX-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1014 — 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.1015 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for certain rules for housing or transportation based on gender and to provide for a limitation on gender-related medical treatment; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.1019 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure the reliability of address information provided under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1026 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals with direct primary care service arrangements to remain eligible individuals for purposes of health savings accounts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.1035 — To amend the Family and Medical Leave Act to expand employees eligible for leave and employers subject to leave requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; House Administration; Oversight and Government Reform

 

S.Res.67 — A resolution declaring racism a public health crisis; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.447 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to implement a minimum work requirement for able-bodied adults enrolled in State Medicaid programs; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.454 — A bill to authorize the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use to award formula grants to the States to address gambling addiction, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.473 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include screening for loneliness and coordination of supportive services and health care to address the negative health effects of loneliness, to require a report on loneliness, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.474 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a minimum Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotment for States; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.475 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate access to non-opioid pain management drugs under part D of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.477 — A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to modify the offenses relating to fentanyl, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.483 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to restrict direct-to-consumer drug advertising; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.119 — Declaring racism a public health crisis; Sponsor: Hayes, Jahana [Rep.-D-CT-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.1051 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow for the approval of an abbreviated new drug application submitted by a subsequent applicant in the case of a failure by a first applicant to commence commercial marketing within a certain period, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Budzinski, Nikki [Rep.-D-IL-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1059 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to implement a minimum work requirement for able-bodied adults enrolled in State Medicaid programs; Sponsor: Crenshaw, Dan [Rep.-R-TX-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1060 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to modernize the methods of authenticating controlled substances in the pharmaceutical distribution supply chain, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davis, Donald G. [Rep.-D-NC-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1064 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to list fentanyl-related substances as schedule I controlled substances; Sponsor: Fitzgerald, Scott [Rep.-R-WI-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.1082 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national, evidence-based education campaign to increase public and health care provider awareness regarding the potential risks and benefits of human cell and tissue products transplants, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1085 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the National Institutes of Health from awarding any support for an activity or program that uses live animals in research unless the research occurs in the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Nehls, Troy E. [Rep.-R-TX-22]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.1096 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require coverage of 3 primary care visits without cost sharing each year under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.1100 — 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

 

H.R.1107 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize certain heath care professionals employed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to deliver, distribute, or dispense to veterans certain controlled medications via telemedicine under certain conditions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Womack, Steve [Rep.-R-AR-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs