Hart Health Strategies

Partial Shutdown Ends with Most Federal Agencies Funded Through Sept. 30 – Congress approved a spending package (H.R. 7148) on Tuesday to end the partial government shutdown that had commenced January 31, completing the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process for nearly all federal agencies. The $1.2 trillion funding package was passed in a bipartisan 217-214 vote. The bill included funding for Defense, Financial Services, Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, National Security-State, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development through September 30, along with funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13. The agreement provides lawmakers with additional time to negotiate reforms to the DHS bill in light of recent events in Minneapolis involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

 

The package contains nearly $117 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in line with FY 2025 funding levels and rejecting the deeper cuts to HHS proposed by the President’s budget request. The legislation also includes provisions to reform the pharmacy benefit manager industry and extensions of key health care programs, such as the Medicare dependent hospital program, Medicare telehealth flexibilities, the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver, and virtual cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services. The package also contains approximately $16 billion in congressionally directed spending, with health care related earmarks set to receive $986 million.

 

Cassidy Probes 340B Prime Vendor Apexus – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD is requesting details about the business and revenue generation practices of 340B drug pricing program prime vendor Apexus. The letter is the latest step in Sen. Cassidy’s investigation into the 340B program. Apexus has held an exclusive contract with the Health Resources and Services Administration as the sole 340B prime vendor since 2004. The letter highlights the rapid growth of the 340B program since that time, raising questions about where revenue is generated and whether it is being used for the original intent of the program. Cassidy poses questions to the company regarding its revenue and compensation structure, “share back” practices, organizational structure and internal access controls for 340B data, relationship with parent company Vizient, engagement with regulators, and role in increasing 340B utilization.

 

Latest Congressional Retirements – Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) announced that he will not seek reelection this year. Rep. Loudermilk has served in Congress for more than a decade. He currently sits on the House Finance Services Committee and the Committee on House Administration. Rep. Mark Amodei (R-Nev.) also announced his plans to retire at the end of his term. Rep. Amodei has served in Congress since 2011. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. The House of Representatives Press Gallery casualty list tallying members who are retiring or seeking other office can be found here.

 

Christian Menefee Sworn in to House of Representatives – Texas Democrat Christian Menefee was sworn in to the House of Representatives last week. Menefee recently won a special election to represent Texas’ 18^th congressional district, a seat that has been vacant since Sylvester Turner died in March 2025. He campaigned on a progressive platform that included support for the establishment of a Medicare for All single-payer health care system. Rep. Menefee’s swearing in brings the balance of power in the House to 218 Republicans and 214 Democrats.

 

New GAO Report on FDA Staffing Struggles – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a new report detailing the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) struggle to recruit, retain, and train staff, and the subsequent impact on the agency’s ability to conduct inspections. The staffing issues have arisen despite an increase in FDA funding from 2008 through 2024, money largely stemming from user fees paid by regulated industries. Nevertheless, GAO reports that in 2024, for example, FDA was not able to complete as many drug inspections as it had in prior years. The agency has also faced challenges managing other resources, such as its information technology systems for collecting safety and quality complaints.

 

GAO to Review ACIP’s Hep B Vaccine Recommendation Change – The GAO has agreed to conduct a review of the recent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) decision to no longer recommend a universal hepatitis B birth dose vaccine. The agency stated that it will examine “matters relating to public-health, economic, and equity impacts” in its acceptance letter to lawmakers. The GAO report was requested by Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.), and 108 other Democratic lawmakers who argue that ACIP’s decision was “rooted in reckless conspiracy theories, not science.”

 

Moolenaar Highlights Chinese Control of U.S. Medical Technology – Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) has sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding a Chinese pharmaceutical company’s investment in FastWave Medical, a U.S. developer of laser-based intravascular lithotripsy technology. Rep. Moolenaar chairs the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. He expresses concerns related to national security and urges the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, led by Secretary Bessent, to take immediate action. “Grand Pharma’s predatory investment in FastWave jeopardizes dozens of U.S. engineering and manufacturing jobs, undermines the availability of this life-saving technology for American patients, and weakens U.S. competitiveness in medical innovation,” Moolenaar’s letter states.

 

Grassley Urges More Timely  Suicide-Related Followup Care – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has written to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging Administrator Mehmet Oz, MD to address the findings contained in the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) report entitled, Most Children Enrolled in Medicaid Did Not Receive Timely Suicide-Related Followup Care. The OIG discovered that in half of the 258,458 unique hospitalizations or child emergency department visits for suicidal ideations or behaviors in 2023, children did not receive a follow-up visit in the week following being discharged. He requests a response by February 28 detailing what steps CMS has taken in response to the report, whether CMS will require Medicaid programs to ensure children are seen for a follow-up within seven days of treatment for suicide ideations, whether there are systems in place for hospitals to communicate their need for additional assistance with these issues, and whether CMS plans to develop or promote training models for providers to recognize and manage suicidal risk among children while they await specialist care.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “Opportunities with VHA Reorganization;” 10:15 a.m.; February 11

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of the Prescription Drug Supply Chain;” 10:15 a.m.; February 11

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging “Hearings to Examine How Washington’s Rules Drove Physicians Out of Medicine;” 3:00 p.m.; February 11

 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee “Hearings to Examine Building a 21st Century VA Health Care System, Focusing on Assessing the Next Generation of VA’s Community Care Network;” 4:00 p.m.; February 11

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7277 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of ambulance services that do not include transportation; Sponsor: Balint, Becca [Rep.-D-VT-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7279 — To provide for a wage differential program to support new nursing school faculty members; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7286 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to revoke the tax-exempt status of organizations that provide, or provide funding for, abortion; Sponsor: Hageman, Harriet M. [Rep.-R-WY-At Large]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.7289 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish an advisory committee on training in community health centers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Johnson, Julie [Rep.-D-TX-32]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7291 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, to establish a board to review certain designations that a substance used in food is generally recognized as safe, with respect to the intended use of such substance, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3758 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to make opioid overdose rescue medications available to veterans and their caregivers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3757 — A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to establish fair and consistent eligibility requirements for graduate medical schools operating outside the United States and Canada; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3762 — A bill to amend part C of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for prior authorization reforms under the Medicare Advantage program; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3763 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of ALS-related services under the Medicare program for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murkowski, Lisa [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3767 — A bill to amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to elevate the position of Director of the Indian Health Service within the Department of Health and Human Services to Assistant Secretary for Indian Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Indian Affairs

 

H.R.7324 — 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: Budzinski, Nikki [Rep.-D-IL-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7335 — To require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to perform an initial health screening on detainees, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ruiz, Raul [Rep.-D-CA-25]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Homeland Security

 

H.R.7336 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of ALS-related services under the Medicare program for individuals diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.3771 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to codify the requirements for appointment, qualifications, and pay for the therapeutic medical physicists of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.1037 — Expressing support for the designation of February 4, 2026, as “National Cancer Prevention Day”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1039 — Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7351 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide nonimmigrant status to nurses working in certain facilities; Sponsor: Beyer, Donald S. [Rep.-D-VA-8]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.7352 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a program to develop innovative antimicrobial drugs targeting the most challenging pathogens and most threatening infections, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Budget

 

H.R.7366 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify and affirm the preemptive authority of the Food and Drug Administration over dietary supplement regulation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7385 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to establish a grant program related to pre-exposure prophylaxis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3783 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish a Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Padilla, Alex [Sen.-D-CA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3788 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require drug labeling to include original manufacturer and supply chain information; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.3794 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to further regulate compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3797 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new prohibited acts relating to dietary supplements; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3799 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Healthy Start Initiative; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.7391 — To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to ensure that Federally-qualified health centers are not required to pay more than the 340B ceiling price for covered outpatient drugs at the time of purchase; Sponsor: Bergman, Jack [Rep.-R-MI-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7394 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish a Mental and Behavioral Health Career Promotion Grant Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Balint, Becca [Rep.-D-VT-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7407 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new prohibited acts relating to dietary supplements; Sponsor: Pallone, Frank [Rep.-D-NJ-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7409 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to limit the geographic reclassification of certain hospitals under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Taylor, David J. [Rep.-R-OH-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.7411 — To expand the telescreening mammography pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Thompson, Glenn [Rep.-R-PA-15]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

Partial Government Shutdown Likely to Continue into Tuesday – The Senate passed compromise government funding legislation (H.R. 7148) on Friday in a bipartisan 71-29 vote. The deal struck between President Donald Trump and Senate Democrats includes Defense, Financial Services, Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, National Security-State, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development funding through September 30, along with funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through February 13. The agreement provides lawmakers with additional time to negotiate reforms to the DHS bill in light of recent events in Minneapolis involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

 

The package contains nearly $117 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in line with fiscal year (FY) 2025 funding levels and rejecting the deeper cuts to HHS proposed by the President’s budget request. The legislation also includes provisions to reform the pharmacy benefit manager industry and extensions of key health care programs, such as the Medicare dependent hospital program, Medicare telehealth flexibilities, the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver, and virtual cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services. The Senate package also contains approximately $16 billion in congressionally directed spending, with health care related earmarks set to receive $986 million.

 

While the deal averts a lengthy government shutdown, a partial shutdown did go into effect early Saturday morning. The House of Representatives will take up the spending package when it returns to session on Monday, but House Democrats informed GOP leadership over the weekend that they will not help fast-track passage of the funding package to reopen the government. As a result, passage of the package through regular order is not expected until Tuesday at the earliest.

 

Bipartisan Talks on ACA Tax Credits Stall – Sens. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have presented Democrats with their “best and final offer” to extend and modify the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced advance premium tax credits. Sens. Moreno and Collins have led the recent bipartisan negotiations, featuring roughly a dozen other senators, to extend the enhanced subsidies that expired at the end of 2025. The proposal pitched by Moreno and Collins would extend the tax credits for three years, with the first year continuing along the status quo; the credits would then be phased out while providing for an on-ramp to the expansion of a health savings account option during the second and third year. The proposal also includes an across-the-board minimum $5 premium, 700% federal poverty level income cap on eligibility, and funding for cost-sharing reduction payments. It also proposes audits to ensure compliance with the Hyde Amendment, restricting the use of federal dollars for abortion services, and the creation of new fines for insurers that deliberately enroll unqualified individuals. Sen. Angus King (I-Maine), who has helped negotiate on behalf of Democrats, has responded that the proposal does not represent a bipartisan deal and suggested a return to a full, two-year enhanced tax credit extension. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), another Democratic negotiator, has also raised concerns about the plan’s failure to recognize that the Hyde Amendment already applies to the ACA market.

 

HELP Republicans Launch Fraud Task Force – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) and Republican members of the panel Ashley Moody (Fla.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (Kan.), Tommy Tuberville (Ala.), Jon Husted (Ohio), Markwayne Mullin (Okla.), and Tim Scott (S.C.) have announced the formation of a task force to eliminate fraud in federal spending. The new group’s anti-fraud efforts will be based on subject matter, with Sens. Moody and Marshall leading the work in the health care space. The launch of the task force follows reports of fraud and abuse related to federal child care funding in Minnesota, as well as the committee’s creation of an online portal for Americans to report fraud involving taxpayer dollars.

 

Surgeon General Nomination Hearing Expected Later This Month – The Senate HELP Committee will reportedly hold a confirmation hearing for U.S. Surgeon General nominee Casey Means, on February 25. The hearing was originally scheduled for last November but was postponed due to the nominee’s pregnancy. Means is a medical doctor, wellness influencer, and co-founder of the bio wearables and health-tracking company Levels. She graduated medical school but dropped out of her surgical residency in her fifth year, opting to open a functional medicine practice. Means was tapped for the position of surgeon general last May after the White House withdrew the nomination of former Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat.

 

Florida Rep. Buchanan to Retire After Two Decades in Congress – Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), 74, has announced that he will not seek reelection this year. Rep. Buchanan has served in the House of Representatives for 20 years. He currently serves as the vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and as the chair of its Subcommittee on Health.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing “Modernizing the National Institutes of Health: Faster Discoveries, More Cures;” 10:00 a.m.; February 3

 

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “Building an AI-Ready America: Adopting AI at Work;” 10:15 a.m.; February 3

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Common Schemes, Real Harm: Examining Fraud in Medicare and Medicaid;” 10:30 a.m.; February 3

 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “Independent Spirits: Veteran Health & Healing through Adaptive Sports;” 4:00 p.m.; February 4

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1019 – Recognizing the roles and the contributions of America’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) and their critical role in providing quality health care for the public and our Nation’s Armed Forces, for more than 150 years and through multiple public health emergencies and beyond; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7237 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that a woman seeking a chemical abortion is made aware of the risks involved, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Stutzman, Marlin A. [Rep.-R-IN-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.J.Res.103 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to “Reproductive Health Services”; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3690 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove certain age restrictions on Medicaid eligibility for working adults with disabilities; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3692 — A bill to provide for the inclusion of virtual diabetes prevention program suppliers in the Medicare Diabetes Prevention Program Expanded Model, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3697 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the approval of new abortion drugs, to prohibit investigational use exemptions for abortion drugs, and to impose additional regulatory requirements with respect to previously approved abortion drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hyde-Smith, Cindy [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3698 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance that provide coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder services provide such services without the imposition of cost-sharing from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the 1-year period following such pregnancy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3703 — A bill to amend the Veterans’ Benefits Improvements Act of 1996 and the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020 to improve the temporary licensure requirements for contract health care professionals who perform medical disability examinations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Husted, Jon [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3706 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the provision of produce prescriptions to veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3707 — A bill to provide for a wage differential program to support new nursing school faculty members; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.J.Res.144 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to “Reproductive Health Services”; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7267 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the provision of produce prescriptions to veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pingree, Chellie [Rep.-D-ME-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.Res.590 — A resolution designating January 23, 2026, as “Maternal Health Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3712 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct, and submit to Congress a report describing the results of, a study on the use of home cardiorespiratory monitors for infants, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hyde-Smith, Cindy [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3714 — A bill to amend title V of the Social Security Act to extend funding for the family-to-family health information centers; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3716 — A bill to set forth limitations on exclusive approval or licensure of drugs designated for rare diseases or conditions; Sponsor: Baldwin, Tammy [Sen.-D-WI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3729 — A bill to require the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) submit to Congress two reports on agreements with pharmacy benefit managers with respect to prescription drug plans and MA-PD plans; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3730 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide Medicare coverage of ambulance services that do not include transportation; Sponsor: Welch, Peter [Sen.-D-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3739 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project on coverage by the Department of Veterans Affairs of over-the-counter hearing aids, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3741 — A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to promulgate regulations to improve nucleic acid synthesis security, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.3750 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish provider directory requirements, and to provide accountability for provider directory accuracy, under Medicare Advantage; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3751 — A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report on price-related compensation and payment structures in the prescription drug supply chain; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update – Congress has continued moving the appropriations process forward ahead of the January 30th deadline to avert a government shutdown, address health extenders, and fund federal agencies for fiscal year (FY) 2026. The following annual appropriations bills have been signed into law: Agriculture-Rural Development-Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior-Environment. The House of Representatives has also passed a Financial Services and General Government/National Security-Department of State minibus package; a Defense, Labor-Health and Human Services (L-HHS), Transportation-Housing and Urban Development minibus package, and a separate Homeland Security funding bill (H.R. 7147).

 

The bipartisan Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 (H.R. 7148) containing the L-HHS agreement and health extenders passed the House on Thursday in a 341-88 bipartisan vote. It contains nearly $117 billion in discretionary funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in line with FY 2025 funding levels and rejecting the deeper cuts to HHS proposed by the President’s budget request. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would receive $48.7 billion, providing a modest increase. The report language contains new guardrails around the use of multi-year funding by NIH, and would prohibit altering “the manner in which negotiated indirect cost rates have been implemented and applied under NIH regulations.”

 

The LHHS spending bill also includes provisions to reform the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) industry, including new pricing and distribution disclosure requirements and provisions to delink PBMs’ compensation from the cost of Medicare prescription drugs. The package also extends key health care programs, such as the Medicare dependent hospital program, Medicare telehealth flexibilities, the Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver, and virtual cardiopulmonary rehabilitation services.

 

The likelihood of a partial government shutdown increased over the weekend, with Senate Democrats vowing to oppose funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the wake of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) shooting in Minneapolis on Saturday. The chamber had been expected to take up a six-bill spending package (including both LHHS and DHS funding) in the coming days. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has stated that Democrats will not help advance the package as long as it includes DHS funding. Democratic support will be required to clear the 60-vote procedural threshold. The situation is further complicated by the winter storm affecting much of the country, keeping the chamber out of session until at least Tuesday.

 

New Congressional Report Alleges Violation of Antitrust Law by CVS Health – Republican leadership of the House Judiciary Committee has released an interim staff report detailing the results of an investigation that began in 2024 into the business operations of CVS Health. The report accuses the company of possible violations of antitrust law, alleging that CVS discouraged independent pharmacies from working with competitor companies. The committee details how CVS acted to stifle innovation and reduce competition from hub pharmacies. According to documents produced to the committee, CVS “developed plans to establish its own suite of digital pharmacy services and then, instead of competing with hubs on the merits of their services, prevented independent pharmacies from using pharmacy services from hubs.”

 

GOP Lawmakers to Investigate MN Medicaid Fraud – Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee have opened an investigation into recent findings of Medicaid fraud in the state of Minnesota. Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.), and Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) have sent a letter to Gov. Tim Walz requesting information related to the state’s efforts to combat Medicaid fraud. “The swath of criminal schemes coming to light in Minnesota include overbilling, false records, identity theft, and phantom claims in Medicaid social service and health programs for the elderly and disabled, people struggling with addiction, and homelessness,” the letter states. “To inform the committee’s oversight and potential legislative reforms, we are examining the extent of Medicaid fraud in Minnesota and actions the state has taken, and is taking, to strengthen program integrity.” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) also announced plans last week to expand his panel’s investigation into findings of fraud on Minnesota’s social services programs. He is requesting that the Temporary Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services appear for a transcribed interview before the end of the month.

 

Eleanor Holmes Norton Ends Reelection Campaign – D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), 88, will not seek reelection in November. Norton has served as the District of Columbia’s nonvoting delegate in the House of Representatives for more than three decades. Her campaign filed a termination notice with the Federal Election Commission over the weekend. She currently sits on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “Building a 21st Century VA Health Care System: Assessing Efforts to Restructure the Veterans Health Administration;” 4:00 p.m.; January 28

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Truth in Labeling: Americans Deserve to Know Where Their Drugs Come From;” 9:30 a.m.; January 29

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.7145 —To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a definition of essential health system in statute and for other related purposes. Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1010 — Recognizing 2026 as “The Year of The Power of Nurses” in Celebration of the 130th Anniversary of the American Nurses Association; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7147 — Making further consolidated appropriations for the Dept. of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations; Budget

 

H.R.7148 — Making further consolidated appropriations for LHHS/Defense/THUD for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and health extenders; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations; Budget; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7164 — To expand cost-sharing reductions with respect to qualified health plans offered through an Exchange, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7165 —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: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1013 — Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a Permanent Select Committee on Aging; Sponsor: Magaziner, Seth [Rep.-D-RI-2]; Committees: House – Rules

 

H.R.7170 —To remove linguistic barriers to participation in Gun Violence Prevention Strategies; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7171 — To amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to award grants for providing legal resources for petitioners seeking extreme risk protection orders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.7173 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure scientific integrity in the activities of the National Institutes of Health and prevent the diversion of funds to politically driven activities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7177 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Turner syndrome; Sponsor: Feenstra, Randy [Rep.-R-IA-4]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.7181 — To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to clarify the exemption for replacement parts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hudson, Richard [Rep.-R-NC-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7184 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to prevent the importation of illicit pill press machines with the intent to counterfeit substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McDowell, Addison P. [Rep.-R-NC-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.7189 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage for certain HIV prevention services furnished by pharmacists under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1017 — Recognizing the threat of air pollution and extreme heat to maternal and infant health, and expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that meaningful interventions must be rapidly and equitably developed and deployed to address the unique vulnerabilities of pregnancy in Latino communities; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7196 — To amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to prohibit the Council of the District of Columbia from enacting any law to permit euthanasia and assisted suicide in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barrett, Tom [Rep.-R-MI-7]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.7198 —To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the designation of general surgery shortage areas, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bera, Ami [Rep.-D-CA-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7199 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to provide a burial allowance for certain veterans who die at home while in receipt of hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Bergman, Jack [Rep.-R-MI-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7212 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of cannabinoid hemp products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Griffith, H. Morgan [Rep.-R-VA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7227 — To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require that group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance that provide coverage for mental health services and substance use disorder services provide such services without the imposition of cost-sharing from the diagnosis of pregnancy through the 1-year period following such pregnancy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Government Reform

Progress on FY 2026 Appropriations – Congressional progress on completing the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process continued last week. The House of Representatives passed the Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (H.R. 7006) in a 341-79 bipartisan vote on Wednesday. The package contains $9.4 billion in global health funding, rejecting the deeper cuts to global health proposed by the President’s budget. The bill includes $524 million in appropriations for family planning and reproductive health, nearly $109 million for neglective tropical disease, $300 million for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and $4.6 billion for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The bill now moves to the Senate where consideration is expected the week of January 26. On Thursday, the Senate passed the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act (H.R.6938) in an 82-15 bipartisan vote. That package now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

 

Congress has four remaining spending bills to finalize for the current fiscal year. An agreement on the next funding package, including Labor-Health and Human Services, Defense, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development is anticipated soon. Recent negotiations have focused on language to restrict the White House from providing multi-year research grants for the National Institutes of Health as a single lump sum, as well as to restrict funding for gender-affirming care for minors. A path forward on the Homeland Security spending bill remains unclear; Democrats are demanding changes to Immigration and Customs Enforcement in light of recent events in Minneapolis. Lawmakers face a January 30 deadline to address health extenders, avert another government shutdown, and fund federal agencies for fiscal year 2026.

 

President Releases “Great Healthcare Plan” as Progress on Bipartisan Compromise Stalls – President Donald Trump is asking Congress to act without delay on the “Great Healthcare Plan” released by the White House last week. The plan consists of a framework of policies that support the President’s vision for lowering the nation’s health care costs. It addresses several issue areas, including lowering drug prices and insurance premiums, holding big insurance companies accountable, and maximizing price transparency. The plan would not extend the now expired advance premium tax credits (APTC), with the President having threated to veto any APTC extension that reaches his desk.

 

The release of the President’s plan followed reports that the legislative text of a bipartisan Senate plan to extend the expired Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies will not be ready until the end of the month. Negotiators have already coalesced around several APTC policy modifications, including a shorter, two-year extension, an across-the-board minimum $5 premium, a 700% federal poverty level income cap on eligibility, and the extension of open enrollment until March 1. While Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) – the lead negotiators – had previously indicated that the text could be released last week, disagreements reportedly remain related to abortion funding restrictions.

 

The ACA open enrollment period ended on January 15. Approximately 1.4 million fewer people have enrolled in coverage compared to last year. This figure is less than the 2.2 million decrease projected by the Congressional Budget Office in the case of an APTC expiration, though experts caution that further attrition is likely in the coming months as enrollees face premiums that are more than doubling on average.

 

Senate HELP Committee Advances Four Health Bills – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted unanimously to advance the following health-care bills on Thursday:

• The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act (S. 272), which aims to improve the safety of infant formula through testing of infant formula for microorganisms and toxic elements;
• Tyler’s Law (S. 921), which would 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;
• The Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act (S. 1157), which would direct the Secretary to review the status of research on lung cancer in women and underserved populations; and
• The Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act (S. 2169), which would require the development of a comprehensive rural hospital cybersecurity workforce development strategy.
• The bills now await consideration by the full Senate.

 

Grassley Report Details “Gaming” of Medicare Advantage by UHG – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has released a report detailing the findings from his investigation into UnitedHealth Group’s (UHG) Medicare Advantage (MA) billing practices. How UnitedHealth Group Puts the Risk in Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment asserts that UHG uses its advanced data assets and data analytics capabilities to maximize its workforce’s ability to capture diagnoses. According to the report, the company has also identified opportunities and strategies to increase its capture of untapped risk score garnering diagnoses and uses its provider workforce to implement those strategies. The report notes that other MA organizations also contract with UHG for such diagnosis capture and coding opportunity insights.

 

Republican Study Committee Releases Reconciliation 2.0 Framework – The Republican Study Committee has released a framework for a second reconciliation bill proposing $1.6 trillion in tax and spending cuts. The framework promises to “deliver health care freedom and lower drug prices by redirecting subsidies away from big insurance companies and into the hands of the American people, eliminating regulatory barriers that increase the price of drugs, and promoting choice and competition.” The framework was developed using an AI tool dubbed the “Byrd Bot,” which was developed to generate legislation compliant with the Senate’s Byrd Rule. GOP leadership in both the Senate and House of Representatives have cautioned that there is no consensus on the path forward for a second reconciliation bill.

 

Wyden, Pallone Question Child Immunization Data Measurement Change – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) have written to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging the agency to reverse its decision to drop child immunization measures from the Core Set of Children’s Health Care Quality Measures for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The lawmakers characterize the decision as “a dangerous abdication of the agency’s responsibility to monitor the quality of care provided to nearly half of our nation’s children.” They ask CMS about what evidence it used to determine that vaccination rates are no longer a core measure of child health quality, whether legal reasons exist for modifying these preventative care standards, and whether CMS intends to measure or monitor childhood immunization rates among children with Medicaid and CHIP coverage.

 

Florida Rep. Neal Dunn, MD to Retire – Rep. Neal Dunn, MD (R-Fla.) announced his plans to retire last week, withdrawing his re-election bid to the House of Representatives. Rep. Dunn, a urologist, has represented Florida’s second congressional district since 2017. He currently serves on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Budget Committee hearing “Reverse the Curse: Skyrocketing Health Care Costs and America’s Fiscal Future;” 10:15 a.m.; January 21

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity legislative hearing; 2:30 p.m.; January 21

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: An Examination of Health Insurance Affordability;” 9:45 a.m.; January 22

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee oversight hearing “Community Care Network Next Generation: One Trillion Dollars of Oversight;” 10:15 a.m.; January 22

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearing “Chemicals in Commerce: Legislative Proposal to Modernize America’s Chemical Safety Law, Strengthen Critical Supply Chains, and Grow Domestic Manufacturing;” 2:00 p.m.; January 22

 

House Committee on Ways and Means Hearing with Health Insurance CEOs; 2:30 p.m.; January 22

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6993 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out programs to award grants to eligible entities to conduct research with respect to treatments for traumatic brain injury prospective randomized control trials for neurorehabilitation treatments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bergman, Jack [Rep.-R-MI-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6994 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to modify requirements relating to the prescription of controlled substances by means of the Internet, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.7006 — Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations; Budget

 

H.R.7010 — To amend the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2026, to delay the implementation of amendments made by such Act to the hemp production provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; Sponsor: Baird, James R. [Rep.-R-IN-4]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.7023 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7024 — To amend the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2026, to delay the implementation of amendments made by such Act to the hemp production provisions of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946; Sponsor: Baird, James R. [Rep.-R-IN-4]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

S.3642 — A bill to direct the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate certain payment increases under State programs funded by the Department of Health and Human Services; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.7050 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to homeopathic drug products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sessions, Pete [Rep.-R-TX-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7064 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on strategies for the application of artificial intelligence technologies that can be used in the health care industry to improve administrative and clerical work and preserve the privacy and security of patient data, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hernández, Pablo Jose [Resident Commissioner-D-PR-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7071 — To repeal certain funding increases provided under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to Immigrations and Custom Enforcement, and to reallocate those funds to extend certain healthcare tax credits; Sponsor: Moulton, Seth [Rep.- D-MA-6]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Judiciary; Homeland Security

 

S.Res.583 — A resolution recognizing 2026 as “The Year of The Power of Nurses” in Celebration of the 130th Anniversary of the American Nurses Association; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3647 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a program to address bowel and bladder care needs for veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3653 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out efforts to inform veterans of their rights with regards to the receipt of health care, benefits, and services furnished under provisions of law administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3677 — A bill to improve transparency and the availability of information regarding dietary supplements by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require manufacturers of dietary supplements to list dietary supplements with the Food and Drug Administration; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3688 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase the floor for the practice expense and work geographic indices for certain areas; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.1002 — Recognizing the value of the Older Americans Act of 1965 nutrition program in addressing hunger, malnutrition, and isolation, and improving the health and quality of life for millions of our Nations seniors each year; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.7091 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an investigational research and extended access treatment program utilizing innovative treatments and emerging therapies to address conditions with unmet medical needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bergman, Jack [Rep.-R-MI-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.7092 — To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to require local educational agencies to include mental health and suicide prevention information on student identification cards, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Troy A. [Rep.-D-LA-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.7096 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act ensure appropriate approval for certain skilled nursing facility and nursing facility nursing aide training and competency evaluation programs under the Medicare and Medicaid program; Sponsor: Estes, Ron [Rep.-R-KS-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7106 — Enhancing Skilled Nursing Facilities Act; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.7112 — To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out efforts to inform veterans of their rights with regards to the receipt of health care, benefits, and services furnished under provisions of law administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.R.7116 — Securing Enhanced Programs, Systems and Initiatives for Sepsis (SEPSIS) Act – To establish programs to reduce rates of sepsis; Sponsor: Norcross, Donald [Rep.-D-NJ-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.7118 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify that whole genome and whole exome sequencing for children with certain medical needs is covered under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Peters, Scott H. [Rep.-D-CA-50]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

FY 2026 Appropriations Update –  The House of Representatives passed a minibus appropriations package last week containing fiscal year (FY) 2026 Interior-Environment, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Energy-Water funding bills. The legislation would reduce funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) by 3.4%, far less than the 55% cut proposed by the President’s budget. The bill also includes language blocking the imposition of a 15% cap on indirect cost reimbursement for the federal science research agencies funded by the minibus, including NSF, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NASA, and the Office of Science at the Department of Energy. The Senate intends to bring the package to the floor early this week.

 

House appropriators worked through the weekend to finalize the next government funding package covering State-Foreign Operations, Homeland Security, and Financial Services. The Labor-Health and Human Services (LHHS) spending bill is expected to be among the final appropriations measures to move and be packaged with funding for Defense and  Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. LHHS Subcommittee Chair Robert Aderholt (R-Ala.) has said that several unresolved issues related to his panel’s spending bill remain. Lawmakers face a January 30 deadline to address health extenders, avert another government shutdown, and fund most federal agencies for fiscal year 2026.

 

House Passes APTC Extension, Bipartisan Senate Negotiations Ongoing – The House of Representatives voted last week to extend the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) advanced premium tax credits (APTC) for another three years. Seventeen Republicans joined Democrats in support of a clean extension of the enhanced tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025. Kaiser Family Foundation estimates that out-of-pocket ACA premiums have more than doubled on average with the expiration of the subsidies. The Congressional Budget Office has projected that a three-year extension of the subsidies would cost $80.6 billion over the next decade.

 

While the Senate did not have enough support to pass the same provision in December, the House-passed bill could serve as a vehicle for compromise legislation to address rising health insurance premiums. Bipartisan talks led by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) alongside roughly a dozen other senators are taking place. The negotiators are considering several APTC policy modifications, including a shorter, two-year extension, an across-the-board minimum $5 premium, a 700% federal poverty level income cap on eligibility, the extension of open enrollment until March 1, and funding for cost-sharing reduction payments. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has suggested that any bipartisan deal must also include a bridge to the expansion of tax-advantaged health savings accounts, income limits, and abortion restrictions.  Reports indicate that the negotiators are close to reaching a deal and that legislative text could be released as early as this week. Americans currently have until January 15 to enroll in marketplace health plans for the remainder of 2026.

 

Sara Carter Confirmed as Drug Czar – The Senate confirmed Sara Carter to lead the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) in a 52-48 vote on Tuesday. Carter is a podcast host and former Fox News contributor who has reported on drug trafficking and cartels. While she focused on the issue of the illicit drug supply during her confirmation process, in her role as ONDCP director Carter will also be responsible for overseeing federal policy and funding related to substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery.

 

State of the Union Address to Take Place Feb. 24 – President Donald Trump will deliver his first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24. The President’s speech to lawmakers last March was considered a joint address to Congress. This year’s State of the Union will provide President Trump the opportunity to discuss his legislative priorities for the coming year.

 

Schrier Leads Letter on Childhood Immunization Schedule – Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.) has led a letter signed by 115 other lawmakers urging U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to restore the U.S. childhood immunization schedule. The letter follows a recent announcement that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reducing the number of vaccines routinely recommended for all children from 17 to 11. “Your agency’s decision to overhaul decades of evidence-based science is arbitrary and driven by ideology. This announcement completely bypasses the recommendations made by the previously esteemed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel that you have replaced with your own hand-picked members, most of whom have long track records of anti-vaccine activism,” the lawmakers argue. “We demand that you reinstate the previous childhood immunization schedule, restore sanctity to the ACIP, and protect the health and wellbeing of children,” the letter concludes.

 

California Congressman LaMalfa Dies at 65 – Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), 65, passed away at the age of 65 on January 6 during emergency surgery. Rep. LaMalfa, a former state legislator, was serving his seventh term in Congress at the time of his passing. He was a member of the Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. LaMalfa’s sudden death further lessens the GOP’s majority in the House of Representatives. With the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), which took effect January 6, Republicans now hold just 218 seats in the chamber, affording the party only two defections on any party-line vote with all members present.

 

Hoyer Announces Retirement from Congress  – Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), 86, has announced his plans to retire from Congress after more than four decades in the House of Representatives. Rep. Hoyer was first elected to Congress in 1981. He served as House Majority Leader from 2007 to 2011 and again from 2019 until 2023. Since stepping down from his leadership post in 2022, Hoyer has served as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing including discussion draft of the Data Driven Suicide Prevention Act and H.R. 6001, the Veterans with ALS Reporting Act; 2:15 p.m.; January 13

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing “Protecting Women: Exposing the Dangers of Chemical Abortion Drugs;” 10:00 a.m.; January 14

 

House Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology hearing “Advancing America’s AI Action Plan;” 10:00 a.m.; January 14

 

House Committee on Education and Workforce hearing “Building an AI-Ready America;” 10:15 a.m.; January 14

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session to consider S. 1157 – Women and Lung Cancer Research and Preventive Services Act; S. 921 – Tyler’s Law; S. 2169 – Rural Hospital Cybersecurity Enhancement Act; and S. 272 – Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act; 10:00 a.m.; January 15

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and House Committee on Ways and Means hearings with health insurance companies; time TBD; January 22

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6937 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate the H-1B program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Greene, Marjorie Taylor [Rep.-R-GA-14]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6938 — Making consolidated appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cole, Tom [Rep.-R-OK-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations; Budget

 

H.R.6940 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess how Executive departments address mental health crisis prevention and awareness, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Biggs, Sheri [Rep.-R-SC-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6941 — To direct the Secretary of Energy to conduct a study to identify the effects of covered geoengineering projects on the health of humans and the environment, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crane, Elijah [Rep.-R-AZ-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6945 — To amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to clarify the authority of States to use funds for pregnancy centers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fischbach, Michelle [Rep.-R-MN-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6951 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to repeal the requirement that States establish a Medicaid Estate Recovery Program and to limit the circumstances in which a State may place a lien on a Medicaid beneficiary’s property; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3588 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide funding for trained school personnel to administer drugs and devices for emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3593 — A bill to increase the penalties for health care fraud, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moody, Ashley [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.R.6972 — To amend title X of the Public Health Service Act to require grant recipients to comply with all applicable State and local laws requiring notification or reporting of child abuse, child molestation, sexual abuse, rape, incest, intimate partner violence, or human trafficking, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3607 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for expanded coverage of services furnished by genetic counselors under part B of the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3604 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out activities to establish, expand, and sustain a public health nursing workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3599 — A bill to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish a public health insurance option, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3598 —A bill to provide for the periodic issuance of up-to-date clinical guidance on addressing the health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.6974 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security to permit additional accrediting organizations to approve specialized MA plans for special needs individuals; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6977 —To provide for the periodic issuance of up-to-date clinical guidance on addressing the health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dexter, Maxine [Rep.-D-OR-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6989 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out activities to establish, expand, and sustain a public health nursing workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Stansbury, Melanie A. [Rep.-D-NM-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

DEA Extends Telemedicine Flexibilities – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has extended Covid-era telemedicine flexibilities for the prescribing of controlled substances through 2026. The flexibilities allow for the prescribing of controlled substances without an initial in-person visit through December 31, 2026; the policies were set to expire at the end of 2025. This is the fourth temporary extension of the flexibilities. The extension provides time for the administration to implement the Expansion of Buprenorphine Treatment via Telemedicine Encounter and Continuity of Care via Telemedicine for Veterans Affairs Patients final rules and for practitioners to comply with the two final rules’ new requirements.

 

FY 2026 NDAA Signed into Law – President Donald Trump has signed the fiscal year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) into law following months of negotiation between the two chambers of Congress on a compromise version of the must-pass annual defense policy bill. The law includes a provision that will bar Chinese “biotechnology companies of concern” from receiving federal funding. A previous version of the legislation known as the BIOSECURE Act was omitted from last year’s NDAA due to concerns about naming specific biotech companies to be scrutinized. The final NDAA would require the Office of Management and Budget to create a list of biotech companies – like those on the Department of Defense’s list of Chinese military companies – that would be blocked from federal contracts, grants, or loans, and to provide the companies the opportunity to appeal.

 

Physician Lawmakers Raise Concerns with Anthem Facility Administration Policy – Members of both the GOP Doctors Caucus and the Democratic Doctors Caucus have written to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s facility administrative policy, which penalizes hospitals that enable patients to use out-of-network physicians. The lawmakers argue that the new policy undermines the No Surprises Act’s independent dispute resolution (IDR) process and places hospitals in “an untenable position: either compel physician groups to accept reimbursement that cannot sustain high-quality operations or restrict their patients’ access to high-quality clinicians in order to avoid being penalized by Anthem.”  The letter calls on HHS to investigate the legality of this policy and to “question Anthem’s networking tendencies to better understand how they engage, or fail to engage, in networking negotiations with providers.”

 

Trump Administration Awards $50 Billion under Rural Health Transformation Program – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced $50 billion in awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, which was established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the Republican reconciliation law from 2025. All 50 states will receive awards ranging from $147 million to $281 million in 2026; the $50 billion provided under the law will be distributed over ten years. The program was included in the legislation to address the concerns of Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and other Republicans who were worried about the potential impact of the OBBBA on rural hospitals and individuals living in those areas.

 

GAO Report on Distribution of New GME Positions – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a report on the initial distribution of new Medicare-funded physician residency positions. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 required CMS to distribute 1,000 new Medicare-funded graduate medical education (GME) residency positions to qualifying hospitals through permanent increases to their resident caps. To date, CMS has allocated 600 of the 1,000 new GME positions to hospitals during three annual distributions. Most slots went to urban areas and about half supported primary care. Approximately half of the 393 hospitals that applied received positions.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services;” 10:15 a.m.; January 8

Congress Adjourns for the Year, Letting Enhanced Subsidies Expire – Lawmakers have adjourned for the holiday recess without a response to the forthcoming expiration of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced advanced premium tax credits and the spike in health insurance premiums that is expected when the subsidies expire at the end of this year. The House of Representatives passed the GOP’s Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act on Wednesday in a 216-211 vote. The bill appropriates money for cost sharing reductions and codifies and expands access to association health plans, CHOICE arrangements, and stop-loss insurance. It also includes a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency provision that would require PBMs to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the package would result in $35.6 billion in savings and 100,000 fewer people per year having health insurance through 2035. The package excluded an extension of the expiring ACA subsidies, and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) rejected a push from moderate, swing-district members of his caucus to hold a floor vote on an extension. The situation resulted in four House Republicans – Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), Mike Lawler (N.Y.), Rob Bresnahan (Pa.), and Ryan Mackenzie (Pa.) – signing a discharge petition led by House Democratic leadership to force a January vote on a clean, three-year extension of the enhanced tax credits. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene for the second session of the 119^th Congress on January 5, while the House is set to return the following day. The deadline to sign up for coverage starting in January via the ACA marketplace has already ended, while January 15 is the final day of the open enrollment period.

 

Senate Blocks Disapproval Resolution Re: Richardson Waiver Rescission – The Senate blocked a measure (S.J.Res.82) last week that would have repealed a decision from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive public comment periods on certain agency rulemakings. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joined Democrats in support of the measure, which was defeated in a 50-50 vote. The HHS policy in question rescinded the Richardson Waiver, thus allowing the Department to pursue certain regulatory changes, including those relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts, without a public comment period.

 

Trump Personnel Confirmations – The Senate confirmed Thomas Bell to serve as inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in a 53-43 party line vote on Thursday.  Bell most recently worked as general counsel for Republicans in the House of Representatives. He also served as chief counsel and staff director of the Select Investigative Panel on Infant Lives, formed in 2015 to investigate alleged fetal tissue sales from groups like Planned Parenthood. The Senate also confirmed John Bartrum to lead the Veterans Health Administration. Bartrum is a former Air Force major general who most recently served as a senior adviser to Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

 

House Passes Bills Targeting Gender Affirming Care – The House of Representatives passed legislation (H.R. 498) last week that would prohibit the use of federal Medicaid funding for gender-affirming care for individuals under 18 years old. The bill passed in a 215-201 vote. The chamber also passed legislation (H.R. 3492) that would criminalize the provision of gender affirming care for youth in a 216-211 vote.

 

GOP Lawmakers Push Back Against Marijuana Executive Order – Twenty-two Republican senators have written to the Trump administration in response to the President’s executive order to expedite the rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. The lawmakers express opposition to the order – which will effectively ease restrictions around marijuana research and provide tax breaks to cannabis companies – pointing to the potential for the drug to worsen mental illnesses, harm children whose mothers use it while pregnant, and impact workers’ cognitive functioning. “Rescheduling marijuana to a Schedule III drug will undermine your strong efforts to Make America Great Again and to usher in America’s next economic Golden Age,” the lawmakers state. A coalition of House Republicans sent a similar letter, stressing that marijuana rescheduling is not required to advance legitimate medical research.

 

Rep. Salinas Urges NIH to Maintain Funding for SWAN – Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-Ore.) led a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) last week urging NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD to maintain funding for the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN). The letter was signed by 33 other members of the House of Representatives.  The longitudinal SWAN examines women’s health during midlife and menopause.  Rep. Salinas and her colleagues argue that additional research is still needed to better understand the long-term impacts of menopause on heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease; the effectiveness and safety of treatment options; the need for individualized care approaches; educational gaps among patients and health care providers; potential health impacts of the perimenopausal period; and strategies to promote prevention and healthy aging through lifestyle interventions. “Maintaining funding for SWAN will ensure continued progress in these critical areas and strengthen our understanding of women’s health for generations to come. We strongly urge you to prioritize continued funding for SWAN,” the letter states.

 

Recently Announced Congressional Retirements – Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) announced on Friday that she will not seek reelection to the Senate next year. Sen. Lummis has served in the Senate since 2021, and currently sits on the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced that she is suspending her bid for governor of New York and will also be retiring from Congress. Rep. Stefanik has represented New York’s 21^st congressional district since 2015. She currently serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced that he will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives next year. Rep. Newhouse serves on the House Committees on Appropriations and Agriculture, and he is one of two remaining House Republicans who previously voted to impeach President Trump.

 

ACCV Vaccine Panel to Meet this Month – The Advisory Commission on Childhood Vaccines (ACCV) has issued notice that it will convene on December 29. The panel is responsible for recommending changes to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. While the meeting agenda has not been published, no votes are expected to take place; an administration spokesperson said that no additional information was available beyond what was contained in the Federal Register notice. While the Commission is supposed to meet four times a year, it has not convened since July 2024. Its January 2025 scheduled meeting was postponed indefinitely.

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6685 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish an exception for multiemployer plan participants to the requirements for automatic enrollment; Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6690 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to increase the payment limit under Medicaid for the Northern Mariana Islands; Sponsor: King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [Del.-R-MP-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3473 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to voluntarily adopt advance directives guiding the medical care they receive; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3474 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for the regulation of cannabis and cannabinoid products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3480 —  A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the WISeR model under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.6703 — Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act – Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

S.Res.546 — A resolution designating November 2025 as “National Hospice and Palliative Care Month”; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.3486 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to States on strategies under Medicaid and CHIP to increase mental health and substance use disorder care provider education, training, recruitment, and retention; Sponsor: Daines, Steve [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3491 — A bill to ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as “black lung disease”), and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3492 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3505 — A bill to amend the Black Lung Benefits Act to ease the benefits process for survivors of miners whose deaths were due to pneumoconiosis; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3510 — A bill to improve the inspections of drug establishments engaged in the manufacture, preparation, propagation, or processing of biosimilar biological products conducted by the Food and Drug Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Budd, Ted [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3512 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the elimination of tax on certain firearms under the National Firearms Act and to deposit the savings into the Medicare part A trust fund; Sponsor: Alsobrooks, Angela D. [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3515 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly select a joint uniform credentialing and privileging system for medical providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6708 — To codify certain rules related to health reimbursement arrangements and other account-based group health plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6718 — To amend the definition of professional degree in the Higher Education Act of 1965; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6721 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to voluntarily adopt advance directives guiding the medical care they receive; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6727 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to remove the exclusion from medical assistance under the Medicaid program of items and services for patients in an institution for mental diseases, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6728 — To amend title XX of the Social Security Act to provide grants to States to support linkages to legal services and medical legal partnerships; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6735 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carey, Mike [Rep.-R-OH-15]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6739 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the definition of professional degree; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6743 —To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the elimination of tax on certain firearms under the National Firearms Act and to deposit the savings into the Medicare part A trust fund; Sponsor: Frost, Maxwell [Rep.-D-FL-10]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6756 — To ensure that claims for benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act are processed in a fair and timely manner, to better protect miners from pneumoconiosis (commonly known as “black lung disease”), and for other purposes; Sponsor: McGarvey, Morgan [Rep.-D-KY-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6757 —  To amend the Black Lung Benefits Act to ease the benefits process for survivors of miners whose deaths were due to pneumoconiosis; Sponsor: McGarvey, Morgan [Rep.-D-KY-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6760 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to facilitate the enrollment of individuals in qualified health plans; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6765 — To prioritize and fund life-affirming maternal and child health initiatives globally by equipping local health providers and community health workers to reduce the leading causes of maternal and child mortality, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.6766 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities to permit essential caregivers access during any period in which regular visitation is restricted; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6767 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to include Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) individuals in the statutory definition of a “racial and ethnic minority group”, to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study of MENA population health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tlaib, Rashida [Rep.-D-MI-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.560 — A resolution recognizing that mercury pollution can cause severe health problems, including permanent brain damage, kidney damage, and birth defects; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.Res.561 — A resolution recognizing that particulate matter pollution can cause heart attacks, asthma, strokes, and premature death; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.Res.562 — A resolution recognizing that ozone pollution can cause lung disease, asthma attacks, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive issues; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.Res.566 — A resolution recognizing that care provided by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs is essential for meeting the health care needs of veterans of the United States; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.3521 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include peer support services at certain facilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3522 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require that State Medicaid programs provide at least one formulation of each type of medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder without prior authorization or limitations on dosage, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3529 — A bill to protect clean air and public health by expanding fenceline and ambient air monitoring and access to air quality information for communities affected by air pollution, to require hazardous air pollutant monitoring at the fenceline of facilities whose emissions are linked to local health threats, to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency promulgates rules that require hazardous air pollutant data measurement and electronic submission at fencelines and stacks of industrial source categories, to expand and strengthen the national ambient air quality monitoring network, to deploy air quality systems in communities affected by air pollution, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.3532 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to streamline the certification process for State Veterans Homes by allowing certain facilities certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be deemed in compliance with specified Medicare and Medicaid requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crapo, Mike [Sen.-R-ID]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3547 —  A bill to extend protections to part-time workers in the areas of family and medical leave and to ensure equitable treatment in the workplace; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA];

Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3549 — A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to ensure that pharmacy benefit managers are considered fiduciaries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3551 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to provide for coverage of certain drugs used in the treatment or management of a rare disease or condition, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3557 — A bill to prohibit the use of Federal funds to implement the Executive order entitled “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence”; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

H.Res.955 — Recognizing the importance of a continued commitment to ending pediatric HIV/AIDS worldwide; Sponsor: McClellan, Jennifer L. [Rep.-D-VA-4]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6782 —To protect clean air and public health by expanding fenceline and ambient air monitoring and access to air quality information for communities affected by air pollution, to require hazardous air pollutant monitoring at the fenceline of facilities whose emissions are linked to local health threats, to ensure the Environmental Protection Agency promulgates rules that require hazardous air pollutant data measurement and electronic submission at fencelines and stacks of industrial source categories, to expand and strengthen the national ambient air quality monitoring network, to deploy air quality systems in communities affected by air pollution, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Troy A. [Rep.-D-LA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6789 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to require the Bureau of Prisons to ensure the availability of opioid antagonists at Federal correctional facilities; Sponsor: Foushee, Valerie P. [Rep.-D-NC-4]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6794 — To require directors of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs to submit annual fact sheets to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs on the status of such facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hamadeh, Abraham J. [Rep.-R-AZ-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6796 — To require the Secretary of Defense to establish a digital system for the submission of complaints relating to access issues at military medical treatment facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.6797 — 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.6799 — To amend title II of the Social Security Act to eliminate the waiting periods for disability insurance benefits and Medicare coverage for individuals with young-onset Alzheimer’s, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kim, Young [Rep.-R-CA-40]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6801 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals to ask the citizenship status of patients as a condition of participation in the Medicare program and to require reports on the cost of furnishing hospital services to noncitizens; Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6804 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to strengthen Medicare rural hospital flexibility program grants; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6817 — 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: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6818 — To extend protections to part-time workers in the areas of family and medical leave and to ensure equitable treatment in the workplace; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; House Administration; Oversight and Government Reform; Judiciary

 

H.R.6823 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot program to facilitate the development of certain traumatic brain injury diagnostics for members of the Armed Forces; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

S.Res.570 — A resolution designating November 2025 as “National Lung Cancer Awareness Month” and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3560 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of contraceptive items and services at no cost-sharing under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3564 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to take certain steps to increase clinical trial diversity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kim, Andy [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3576 — A bill 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: Hickenlooper, John W. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.Res.959 — Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such, and recognizing President Trump’s efforts to mitigate illicit narcotics from entering the United States through such actions as signing an Executive Order “Designating Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction” and declaring the crisis caused by the rise of fentanyl a national health emergency; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.Res.960 — Expressing support for the designation of November 2025 as “National Lung Cancer Awareness Month” and expressing support for early detection and treatment of lung cancer; Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6835 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to offer annual preventative health evaluations to veterans with a spinal cord injury or disorder and increase access to assistive technologies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bergman, Jack [Rep.-R-MI-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6837 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to ensure that pharmacy benefit managers are considered fiduciaries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Auchincloss, Jake [Rep.-D-MA-4]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6839 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for removing transportation barriers to accessing eligible vaccines for individuals from low-income communities, minority communities, or other communities in which transportation poses a barrier to health care access, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6841 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to include peer support services at certain facilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6848 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to limit the extent to which copayments may be required for veterans receiving Whole Health well-being services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Deluzio, Christopher R. [Rep.-D-PA-17]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6852 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust payment for skin substitute products under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Evans, Gabe [Rep.-R-CO-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6858 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a review of the deaths of certain veterans who died by suicide, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6862 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to delay, until July 1, 2030, the termination of authority to award certain Federal Direct PLUS loans and the implementation of limits on certain loans for graduate and professional students enrolled at institutions with certain public health designations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6863 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve transparency with respect to the suspension of Medicare payments pending an investigation into a credible allegation of fraud; Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6867 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to take certain steps to increase clinical trial diversity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6868 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to apply the least burdensome appropriate means for supporting certain administrative order requests with respect to over-the-counter monograph drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6876 — To require the imposition of visa sanctions with respect to each foreign person the President determines has performed or otherwise facilitated chemical or surgical mutilations of United States minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McDowell, Addison P. [Rep.-R-NC-6]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6881 — To direct the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate certain payment increases under HHS programs; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means; Natural Resources

 

H.R.6885 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to exempt reimbursements of certain medical expenses and other payments related to accident, theft, loss, or casualty loss from determinations of annual income with respect to pensions for veterans and surviving spouses and children of veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moskowitz, Jared [Rep.-D-FL-23]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6894 — 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: Sewell, Terri A. [Rep.-D-AL-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6897 — To advance research, promote awareness and education, and improve health care, with respect to thyroid disease, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Stevens, Haley M. [Rep.-D-MI-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6902 — To promote public service announcement campaigns targeted at youth substance use prevention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tran, Derek [Rep.-D-CA-45]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6904 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to rehabilitation programs for veterans with service-connected disabilities, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Van Orden, Derrick [Rep.-R-WI-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6906 — To require the Attorney General and the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to Congress reports on the drug addiction treatment and recovery industry; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

Expiration of Enhanced Affordable Care Act Subsidies Approaches – Little progress has been made on negotiations related to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced advanced premium tax credits and the spike in health insurance premiums that is expected if the subsidies expire at the end of this year. The expiration of the tax credits appears increasingly likely, with the Senate rejecting separate proposals offered by Republicans and Democrats last week, as was expected. The Republican measure (S. 3386), which would have allowed the tax credits to expire while expanding the use of health savings accounts for certain marketplace plans, failed in a 51-48 vote – falling short of the procedural 60-vote threshold. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) joined Democrats in opposition to the bill, characterizing the measures as “Obamacare lite.” The Democrats’ proposed three-year extension of the subsidies (S. 3385) also received a 51-48 vote, with Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) voting to advance the Democratic plan. The four Republicans have expressed significant concerns about allowing the subsidies to expire.

 

On December 12, GOP leadership in the House of Representatives announced plans to vote on a newly unveiled health care package containing policies with broad Republican agreement. The Lower Health Care Premiums for All Act appropriates money for cost sharing reductions and codifies and expands access to association health plans, CHOICE arrangements, and stop-loss insurance. It also includes a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) transparency provision that would require PBMs to provide employers with detailed data on prescription drug spending, rebates, spread pricing, and formulary decisions. While the package excludes an extension of the expiring ACA subsidies, GOP leaders have said that they will allow an amendment vote on an extension.

 

President Donald Trump has not endorsed any specific health care affordability plan and has not been involved in still ongoing negotiations on Capitol Hill. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has compiled a table comparing the various proposals that have been put forth to extend the enhanced ACA subsidies, which is included as an addendum to this newsletter. Congress is currently scheduled to recess for the year on December 19. While the tax credits expire on December 31, some lawmakers have conceded that they consider January 30 – the current government funding deadline – as the next date to watch for movement of a health care package. This date would fall after premium increases have begun and the annual open enrollment period has closed.

 

Latest NDAA Includes Biosecure Provision – The BIOSECURE Act has been included in the latest version of the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that was recently released by bicameral congressional negotiators. The provision would bar Chinese “biotechnology companies of concern” from receiving federal funding. A previous version of the legislation was omitted from last year’s NDAA due to concerns about naming specific biotech companies to be scrutinized. The new version of the bill would require the Office of Management and Budget to create a list of biotech companies – like those on the Department of Defense’s list of Chinese military companies – that would be blocked from federal contracts, grants, or loans, and to provide the companies the opportunity to appeal. Both chambers of Congress must pass the bill before it is sent to the President for his signature.

 

Senate Advances Disapproval Resolution Re: Richardson Waiver Rescission – The Senate voted 50-49 last week to advance a measure (S.J.Res.82) that would repeal a decision from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to waive public comment periods on certain agency rulemakings. The HHS policy in question rescinded the Richardson Waiver, thus allowing the Department to pursue certain regulatory changes, including those relating to agency management or personnel or to public property, loans, grants, benefits, or contracts, without a public comment period. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) joined Democrats in support of the measure. Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) did not vote. The resolution still requires a final vote on the Senate floor, and would also need to be passed by the House and signed by the President to go into effect.

 

House to Vote on Prohibiting Gender Transition Surgery This Week – The House of Representatives will consider the Do No Harm in Medicaid Act (H.R. 498) and Protect Children’s Innocence Act (H.R. 3492) on the floor this week. H.R. 498 would prohibit federal Medicaid payment for certain gender transition procedures for individuals under the age of 18. Procedures covered by the bill are those intended to change the body of an individual to no longer correspond to the individual’s biological sex, including surgeries, implants, and medications. Procedures intended to rectify early puberty, genetic disorders, or chromosomal abnormalities, reverse prior gender transition procedures, or prevent imminent death or impairment of a major bodily function would be excluded. H.R. 3492 would criminalize any attempt to perform or facilitate genital or bodily mutilation or chemical castration on a minor, subject to fines and up to 10 years imprisonment.

 

HELP Chairman to Hold Hearings on ACIP Hepatitis B Vote – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD is asking HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to testify before the committee regarding the latest meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP voted earlier this month to revoke its recommendation that all babies receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. During his confirmation process, Kennedy agreed to appear before HELP on a quarterly basis. While it has been seven months since the secretary last testified, Sen. Cassidy stated that his latest request was in line with this pledge. Cassidy has also said that he plans to hold oversight hearings with officials from the Food and Drug Administration, National Institutes of Health, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to discuss the issue.

 

Cassidy Solicits Information on CPT Coding – Senate HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD is requesting feedback from health care stakeholders regarding the American Medical Association’s (AMA) role in generating and updating the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system and its impact on patients, providers, and health care costs. “The federal government mandated the use of CPT codes. This creates the potential for abuse in that if someone has to buy your product, you can charge them what you want,” Sen. Cassidy stated. “There may be nothing wrong here, but we should get answers to make sure the CPT system is working for the American patient and for the American health care system.” Those with relevant experience and knowledge of CPT coding contracts with the AMA can respond to this to questionnaire.

 

Ways and Means Advances Home Infusion Bill – The House Ways and Means Committee unanimously advanced the Joe Fiandra Access to Home Infusion Act (H.R. 4993) in a 41-0 vote last week. The bill would require Medicare to cover self-administered home infusion pumps and associated drugs.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health oversight hearing “Ready, Set, Go-Live: Assessing VA’s EHR Modernization Deployment Readiness;” 3:00 p.m.; December 15

 

House Rules Committee hearing to consider H.R.___, Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act; H.R. 498, Do No Harm in Medicaid Act; H.R. 3492, Protect Children’s Innocence Act; 2:00 p.m.; December 16

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Examining Biosecurity at the Intersection of AI and Biology;” 10:15 a.m.; December 17

 

U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee hearing “Stop Paying More for Less: Realigning Healthcare Incentives to Improve Outcomes and Reduce Costs;” 2:30 p.m.; December 17

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6485 — To amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for a safe harbor from infringement of a method of use patent relating to drugs or biological products; Sponsor: Cline, Ben [Rep.-R-VA-6]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6494 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to make improvements to the treatment of the United States territories under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Plaskett, Stacey E. [Del.-D-VI-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.3384 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to complete fraud risk assessments of the advance premium tax credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3385 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the enhancement of the health care premium tax credit; Sponsor: Schumer, Charles E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Latest Action: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 285.

 

S.3386 — A bill to provide a health savings account contribution to certain enrollees, to reduce health care costs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crapo, Mike [Sen.-R-ID]; Latest Action: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 286.

 

S.3389 — A bill to lower health care costs for Americans; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3391 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credits, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Husted, Jon [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3395 — A bill to expand the telescreening mammography pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3400 — A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require coverage of hearing devices and systems in certain private health insurance plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Curtis, John R. [Sen.-R-UT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3402 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and the Public Health Service Act to improve the certified community behavioral health clinic program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.6501 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make certain adjustments to the operation of the Exchanges established under such Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6509 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to further regulate compounding pharmacies and outsourcing facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Yakym, Rudy [Rep.-R-IN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6510 — National Military Civilian Medical Surge Program Act of 2025; Sponsor: Bacon, Don [Rep.-R-NE-2]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.6512 — To Empower American Families with Direct Control Over Healthcare Dollars, Codify President Trump’s Proven Reforms for Flexibility and Choice, Prohibit Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Gender Transition Procedures, Eliminate Waste and Fraud in the Affordable Care Act, and Reject Extensions of Enhanced Subsidies to Insurance Companies; Sponsor: Biggs, Andy [Rep.-R-AZ-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce; Judiciary

 

H.R.6515 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to prevent duplicate enrollments in Exchanges; Sponsor: Burchett, Tim [Rep.-R-TN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6516 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to identify individuals dually enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP and an Exchange; Sponsor: Burchett, Tim [Rep.-R-TN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6519 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate conflicts of interest in conduct of quality management and administrative investigations by the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6522 — To require implementation by the Under Secretary for Health of the Department of Veterans Affairs of certain recommendations relating to the provision of health care through community care providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hamadeh, Abraham J. [Rep.-R-AZ-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6526 — Clarity on Care Options Act; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6538 — To establish a health freedom waiver program, to promote better price reporting and outcomes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6539 — To permit the use of health care workforce platforms during declared emergencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rouzer, David [Rep.-R-NC-7]; Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.6545 — To prohibit health insurers, including Medicaid managed care organizations and other private health plans, from imposing arbitrary time caps on reimbursement for anesthesia services and for other purposes; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3426 — A bill to establish in the Department of State a Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTQI+ People, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.3421 — A bill to improve medical device recall notifications by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an electronic format for device recall notifications, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL];Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3418 — A bill to ensure competition in health insurance markets; Sponsor: Cruz, Ted [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3412 — A bill to establish the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.6604 — To establish the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6601 — To increase access to mental health, substance use, and counseling services for first responders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tokuda, Jill N. [Rep.-D-HI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.6599 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an independent authority of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into leases for major medical facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Jason [Rep.-R-MO-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6596 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the eligibility for the rural emergency hospital designation under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Schmidt, Derek [Rep.-R-KS-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6595 — To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to improve the availability of care for veterans at facilities of the Department of Defense; Sponsor: Schmidt, Derek [Rep.-R-KS-2]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6594 — To improve medical device recall notifications by amending the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish an electronic format for device recall notifications, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6592 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to develop national quality standards for continuous skilled nursing services provided through Medicaid, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rulli, Michael A. [Rep.-R-OH-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6585 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to temporarily extend the period during which certain individuals may file claims for medical care under the CHAMPVA program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Nunn, Zachary [Rep.-R-IA-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6583 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a centralized research data system for the Department of Veterans Affairs and to make certain improvements to processes applicable to major research projects of the Department, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6580 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the administration of the national formulary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6577 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow individuals only enrolled in Medicare Part A to contribute to health savings accounts; Sponsor: Latta, Robert E. [Rep.-R-OH-5]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6575 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make certain adjustments to the operation of the Exchanges established under such Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Rules

 

H.R.6574 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to ensure that graduate and professional students have the same annual and aggregate limits for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans; Sponsor: Kennedy, Timothy M. [Rep.-D-NY-26]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6572 — To direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health to carry out a program, to be known as the “X-Labs Initiative”, to support breakthrough biomedical research at innovative research institutions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6567 — To establish the Federal Food Administration within the Department of Health and Human Services; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6561 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a public awareness campaign with respect to human papillomavirus, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Con.Res.65 — Commending State and local governments for championing reproductive rights as human rights; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.944 — Impeaching Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, for high crimes and misdemeanors; Sponsor: Stevens, Haley M. [Rep.-D-MI-11]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.Res.942 — Expressing support for the recognition of September 2025 as “National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3431 — A bill 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: Ricketts, Pete [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3434 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for cooperative governing of individual health insurance coverage offered in interstate commerce; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3435 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to support schools of nursing in increasing the number of nursing students and faculty and in program enhancement and infrastructure modernization, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3439 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries to simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tillis, Thomas [Sen.-R-NC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3442 — A bill 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: Murphy, Christopher [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3452 — A bill to restrict the export to foreign entities of concern of United States intellectual property and sensitive information related to synthetic biology, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.3460 — PFAS Accountability Act – A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to codify a Federal cause of action and a type of remedy available for individuals significantly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, to encourage research and accountability for irresponsible discharge of those substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.3461 — A bill to improve the identification and support of children and families who experience trauma; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3466 — A bill to improve health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3469 — A bill to prohibit contracting with certain biotechnology providers; Sponsor: Peters, Gary C. [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

H.R.6607 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to support schools of nursing in increasing the number of nursing students and faculty and in program enhancement and infrastructure modernization, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6609 — To amend titles XI, XVIII, and XIX of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements under Medicare and Medicaid with respect to prescription drug benefits and pharmacy benefit managers; Sponsor: Auchincloss, Jake [Rep.-D-MA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6610 — To amend chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code, to limit the costs of pharmacy benefit managers with respect to Federal employee health benefit plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Auchincloss, Jake [Rep.-D-MA-4]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.6612 — To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide for the royalty-free use by Federal Government of literary works produced by civilian faculty members of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in the course of such employment, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bacon, Don [Rep.-R-NE-2]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6624 — To restrict the export to foreign entities of concern of United States intellectual property and sensitive information related to synthetic biology, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davidson, Warren [Rep.-R-OH-8]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.6625 — To improve the identification and support of children and families who experience trauma; Sponsor: Davis, Danny K. [Rep.-D-IL-7]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.6626 — To amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to codify a Federal cause of action and a type of remedy available for individuals significantly exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, to encourage research and accountability for irresponsible discharge of those substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dean, Madeleine [Rep.-D-PA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.6652 — To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish certain health services to veterans in the Freely Associated States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: King-Hinds, Kimberlyn [Del.-R-MP-At Large]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6660 — To ensure that non-animal methods for regulatory testing are used in lieu of animal tests whenever scientifically satisfactory non-animal test methods are available and accepted by regulatory agencies for meeting regulatory requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moskowitz, Jared [Rep.-D-FL-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Agriculture

 

H.R.6662 — To direct the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to jointly select a joint uniform credentialing and privileging system for medical providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6672 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a loan repayment program for mental health professionals to relieve workforce shortages, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6677 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to reverse the reductions in Federal loan availability for graduate and professional students enacted under Public Law 119-21; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6679 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the mental, social, and developmental impacts of screen addiction among young men, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6680 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to assess the economic, mental health, and social consequences of screen addiction among adult men, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6682 — To advance research, promote awareness, and provide patient support with respect to endometriosis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

Lawmakers to Consider ACA Subsidy Extension Proposals This Week – Little progress has been made on negotiations related to the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced advanced premium tax credits and the spike in health insurance premiums that is expected if the subsidies expire at the end of this year. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said that he intends to present a health care plan focused on lowering costs during the GOP conference meeting on Tuesday, and to vote on the plan before the end of the year. The Senate will call up the Democrat’s proposed three-year extension of the subsidies for a floor vote on Thursday. It is expected to fail; Democrats would need the support of at least 13 Republicans to overcome the procedural 60-vote threshold. A number of GOP senators have expressed an openness to a two-year extension, but only in conjunction with new income caps and other eligibility requirements and restrictions. It remains to be seen whether Senate Republicans will offer a counterproposal. While efforts to reach a bipartisan agreement persist, talks have been complicated by the Republican push to expand prohibitions on the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for abortions.

 

Republican lawmakers who are opposed to extending the subsidies are touting a new report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which found evidence of fraud in ACA marketplace enrollment. The GAO set up 24 fictitious applicants during the 2024 and 2025 plan years; subsidized insurance was approved for nearly all the applicants, costing the government more than $10,000 per month in subsidies in 2025. Some of the fake applicants were approved for coverage without submitting documentation on citizenship, income, or other requirements.

 

Congress is currently scheduled to recess for the year on December 19. While the tax credits expire on December 31, some lawmakers have indicated that they consider January 30 – the current government funding deadline – as the next date to watch for movement of a health care package. This date would fall after premium increases have begun and the annual open enrollment period has closed.

 

House Passes Hospital at Home Extension, Give Kids a Chance Legislation – The House of Representatives passed two health-related measures last week. The Hospital Inpatient Services Modernization Act (H.R. 4313) was adopted via voice vote. The legislation will extend the Medicare Acute Hospital Care at Home waiver for five years. The program is currently set to expire on January 30. The Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act (H.R. 1262) was also passed by voice vote. The bill would reauthorize the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Program through September 30, 2029. It also authorizes the FDA to direct companies to study combinations of cancer drugs and therapies in pediatric trials. Both bills now head to the Senate to await further action.

 

Cassidy Presses AMA to Provide Requested Information – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) has sent a letter to the American Medical Association (AMA) regarding the group’s role in generating and updating the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding system. The letter expands upon a previous effort by Sen. Cassidy to investigate how the AMA assesses fees for its CPT coding system; Cassidy asserts that the AMA has refused to comply with that effort. “I am concerned that the status quo focuses on enriching the AMA at the expense of patients, while the organization subsequently uses the revenue to advance a political agenda that is not representative of the majority of the medical community,” writes Cassidy. “If you are unable to voluntarily reply in a fulsome and timely manner, the committee will consider other options to secure the information requested from the AMA.” He requests a response by December 15.

 

Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett to Retire from Congress — Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) announced that he will not seek reelection next year. His decision comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision upholding the state’s new congressional map, which changed district boundaries in Republicans’ favor. Rep. Doggett has served in the House of Representatives since 1995. He currently sits on the Budget Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, where he serves as ranking member of the Health Subcommittee.

 

Tracy Beth Høeg Tapped to Lead CDER – Tracy Beth Høeg, MD, PhD has been selected to serve as acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Veteran FDA scientist Richard Pazdur, MD, who accepted the role of director three weeks ago, has announced his decision to retire at this end of the month. Høeg is a sports medicine physician and epidemiologist. She has served as a special assistant to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, MD since April.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittees on Health Care and Financial Services and Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs joint hearing “Lowering the Cost of Healthcare: Technology’s Role in Driving Affordability;” 10:00 a.m.; December 10

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations hearing “Defining Our Healthcare Problem, and Principles We Should Follow to Solve it;” 2:00 p.m.; December 10

 

House Judiciary Subcommittees on Oversight and Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust joint hearing “Fighting Obamacare Subsidy Fraud: Is the Administrative Protective Act Working as Intended?” 2:00 p.m.; December 10

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health hearing “Putting Families First: Strengthening CHAMPVA for Survivors and Dependents;” 2:15 p.m.; December 10

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing “Examining the Future of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network;” 10:00 a.m.; December 11

 

House Energy and Commerce Committee Member Day hearing; 9:00 a.m.; December 12

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6319 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a Lung Cancer Task Force, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6320 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage of lung cancer biomarker testing under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5];  Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6321 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require coverage of lung cancer biomarker testing under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.3291 — A bill to require a declassification review for intelligence relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Young, Todd [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Intelligence (Select)

 

S.Res.522 — A resolution commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.3296 — A bill to amend chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, to cover, for purposes of workers’ compensation under such chapter, services by physician assistants and nurse practitioners provided to injured Federal workers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.3298 — A bill to facilitate direct primary care arrangements under Medicaid; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3299 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide a permanent disproportionate share hospital allotment to Tennessee for fiscal year 2026 and succeeding fiscal years, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3300 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a State option to provide medical assistance to certain individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorder; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3302 — 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.3303 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to establish or enhance a community integration platform for services for veterans, to require the collection from veterans of information related to social determinants of health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3304 — A bill to provide for the coverage of medical food and vitamins and individual amino acids for digestive and inherited metabolic disorders under Federal health programs, to ensure State and Federal protection for existing coverage, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wicker, Roger F. [Sen.-R-MS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3311 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate conflicts of interest in peer review for quality management of care conducted by the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Peters, Gary C. [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3314 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to expand a directive of the Veterans Health Administration regarding informed consent to apply to certain types of medications; Sponsor: Sheehy, Tim [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3315 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to coordinate to improve cybersecurity in the health care and public health sectors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.919 — Commemorating and supporting the goals of World AIDS Day; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.6360 — GENESIS Act; Sponsor: Kennedy, Mike [Rep.-R-UT-3]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.6361 — Ban AI Denials in Medicare Act; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6364 — To amend titles XI, XIX, and XXI of the Social Security Act with respect to screening for childhood onset fluency disorders, and to require coverage of certain speech therapy services under Medicaid and CHIP; Sponsor: McDowell, Addison P. [Rep.-R-NC-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3337 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to require the Assistant Secretary for Aging to award grants to States, Indian tribes, and tribal organizations to create or implement Multisector Plans for Aging and Aging with a Disability, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3334 — A bill to prohibit reductions in the workforce at the Drug Enforcement Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3325 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide rules for determining the tax-exempt status of organizations that manufacture and distribute drugs and medical devices to meet public health needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3323 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to codify the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hickenlooper, John W. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.6370 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to require certain health centers to equip restrooms with baby changing tables, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6376 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide health care for family members and other individuals who resided at or worked at locations where there is a presumption of service-connection for certain illnesses and conditions, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6383 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to develop a strategic plan to address mental health of members of the Armed Forces; Sponsor: Cisneros, Gilbert Ray [Rep.-D-CA-31]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.6394 — To address maternity care shortages and promote optimal maternity outcomes by expanding educational opportunities for midwives, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hinson, Ashley [Rep.-R-IA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6400 — To amend title 10, United States Code, to improve access to certain medications under the TRICARE program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.6401 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit to Congress a report on the option to elect to pay cost-sharing under a prescription drug plan or MA-PD plan in monthly capped amounts; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6402 — To require the National Academy of Sciences to establish a grant program to develop safe AI models and safe AI research, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kiley, Kevin [Rep.-R-CA-3]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.6407 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to maintain the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6408 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a State option to provide medical assistance to certain individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorder; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3345 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to ensure accurate payments to pharmacies under Medicaid and prevent the use of abusive spread pricing in Medicaid, and to assure pharmacy access and choice for Medicare beneficiaries and modernize and ensure PBM accountability under Medicare; Sponsor: Crapo, Mike [Sen.-R-ID]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3346 — A bill to establish a special registration under the Controlled Substances Act for schedule I eligible investigational drugs under the Federal Right to Try law; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3349 — A bill to clarify the requirement to disclose direct and indirect compensation from entities providing pharmacy benefit management services or third party administration services; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3350 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the way beneficiaries are assigned under the Medicare shared savings program by also basing such assignment on primary care services furnished by nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical nurse specialists; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3362 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitations on contributions to health savings accounts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3364 — A bill to clarify the time period for registering health care apprenticeships under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the “National Apprenticeship Act”) and require the digitization of apprenticeship agreement forms under such Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3368 — A bill to improve patient protections and affordability under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3369 — A bill to establish a public health plan; Sponsor: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3380 — A bill to provide for a minimum monthly premium payment amount for individuals receiving premium tax credits, and to require additional enrollment verification procedures prior to enrollment in qualified health plans; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.928 — Affirming support for most-favored-Nation drug pricing for United States patients; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6420 —To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to define short-term limited duration insurance; Sponsor: Miller, Max L. [Rep.-R-OH-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6421 —To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to expand eligibility for catastrophic plans; Sponsor: Miller, Max L. [Rep.-R-OH-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6423 —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: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6434 —To establish a special registration under the Controlled Substances Act for schedule I eligible investigational drugs under the Federal Right to Try law; Sponsor: Dean, Madeleine [Rep.-D-PA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.6442 — To amend title IV of the Social Security Act to establish requirements for biological fathers to pay child support for medical expenses incurred during pregnancy and delivery; Sponsor: Hinson, Ashley [Rep.-R-IA-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6445 — To clarify the time period for registering health care apprenticeships under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the “National Apprenticeship Act”) and require the digitization of apprenticeship agreement forms under such Act, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Johnson, Julie [Rep.-D-TX-32]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6454 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Lee, Susie [Rep.-D-NV-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6455 —To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to take certain Medicare premiums of household members into account in determining the health care insurance premiums tax credit; Sponsor: Levin, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-49]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6461 — To direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop best practices and technical guidance on artificial intelligence model documentation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McBride, Sarah [Rep.-D-DE-At Large]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.6466 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to establish Federal penalties for the knowing and intentional administration of any abortion-inducing drug to a woman without her informed consent, if the abortion-inducing drug has been shipped or transported in interstate commerce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Messmer, Mark B. [Rep.-R-IN-8]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6468 —To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize rural residency planning and development grant programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6479 —To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the establishment of an Exchange in Puerto Rico, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Soto, Darren [Rep.-D-FL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

GOP Divided on Subsidy Plan as Expiration Approaches – Lawmakers are returning from Thanksgiving recess without a plan to address the spike in health insurance premiums that is expected if the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) enhanced advanced premium tax credits expire at the end of this year.  President Donald Trump had been expected to unveil a proposal last week that would have extended the enhanced subsidies for two years while imposing new income limits; required every enrollee to pay at least a nominal monthly premium; and called on Congress to appropriate funding for cost-sharing reductions. It also included an option for enrollees to receive part of their tax credit in a tax-advantaged savings account. The announcement was cancelled at the last minute, however, reportedly because of GOP opposition to the plan.

 

Republicans on Capitol Hill remain divided over a path forward on health care costs. Some GOP members support allowing the subsidies to lapse, while others are weighing the introduction of their own health care reform legislation. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.), for example, has proposed funding for certain enrollees in the ACA marketplace, while Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) are leading a bipartisan effort to extend the subsidies while imposing a new income cap.

 

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has agreed to hold a vote on an extension no later than the second week of December. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has declined to commit to such a vote, and has reportedly indicated that there is little interest amongst his caucus to extend the subsidies. Absent congressional action, premiums on the ACA market are projected to increase 114% on average next year. Congress is scheduled to be in session for just three more weeks during the remainder of 2025.

 

Health Leaders Pose Questions About New FDA Priority Review Program – Senate HELP Committee Ranking Member Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and House Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) have written to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the recently announced Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot program. The pilot program, which aims to accelerate approvals for companies aligned with U.S. national health priorities, has promised to reduce certain drug and biological product application or efficacy supplement review times from 10-12 months to just 1-2 months. “We have significant concerns that this program will enable corruption by creating a new, lucrative gift for drugmakers and allies politically favored by President Trump,” the lawmakers state. “This program could undermine public confidence in FDA’s decisions and raise safety concerns, including rushed reviews by an agency whose staff have been decimated by this administration’s cuts.” They pose a series of questions about the program and request a response from Commissioner Marty Makary, MD, by December 11.

 

Negotiated Prices for Initial Price Applicability Year 2027 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has announced the agreed upon prices for the 15 drugs under the second round of the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program. The administration estimates these prices, which will take effect starting in 2027, will result in $12 billion in federal savings. The selected drugs accounted for about $42.5 billion in total gross covered prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D, or about 15%, in 2024, and were used by approximately 5.3 million people with Medicare Part D coverage. The 15 drugs include weight management drugs Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy; cancer therapies Xtandi, Pomalyst, Ibrance, and Calquence; irritable bowel syndrome medicines Linzess and Xifaxan; asthma treatments Trelegy Ellipta and Breo Ellipta; and the plaque psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis treatment Otezla.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight hearing “Lives at Stake: Holding Tax-Exempt Organ Procurement Organizations Accountable;” 10:00 a.m.; December 2

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing “Making Health Care Affordable Again: Healing a Broken System;” 10:00 a.m.; December 3

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee legislative hearing on H.R: 6047, the Sharri Briley and Eric Edmundson Veterans Benefits Expansion Act of 2025, and H.R. 4077, the GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act; 10:15 a.m.; December 3

 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing to examine medication management in VA healthcare; 4:00 p.m.; December 3

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Examining the Future of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network;” 10:00 a.m.; December 11

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.6288 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to limit cost sharing for prenatal services in certain circumstances; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6284 – To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for a percentage of student loan forgiveness for public service employment, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Swalwell, Eric [Rep.-D-CA-14]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6283 — To amend the 21st Century Cures Act to support State and local agencies with responsibility for children services in their response to the opioid abuse crisis, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Strickland, Marilyn [Rep.-D-WA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6280 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for expanded coverage of services furnished by genetic counselors under part B of the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Adrian [Rep.-R-NE-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6258 — To prevent a person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor hate crime, or received an enhanced sentence for a misdemeanor because of hate or bias in its commission, from obtaining a firearm; Sponsor: Escobar, Veronica [Rep.-D-TX-16]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6255 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to establish requirements with respect to cost-sharing for certain insulin products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Craig, Angie [Rep.-D-MN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6254 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow States more flexibility with respect to using contractors to make eligibility determinations and redeterminations and conduct fair hearings on behalf of the State Medicaid plan, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Earl L. “Buddy” [Rep.-R-GA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6248 — To ban anticompetitive terms in facility and insurance contracts that limit access to higher quality, lower cost care; Sponsor: Arrington, Jodey C. [Rep.-R-TX-19]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6246 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain provisions of the health insurance premium tax credit using tariff revenue; Sponsor: Thanedar, Shri [Rep.-D-MI-13]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6316 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the premium tax credit and provide for advance payment of the credit to taxpayers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6314 — To require insurance coverage of annual lung cancer screenings for adults aged 50 to 80 at increased risk for lung cancer; Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Armed Services; Oversight and Government Reform; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6305 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to expand availability of H1B nonimmgrant visas, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Krishnamoorthi, Raja [Rep.-D-IL-8]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Judiciary

 

H.R.6303 — To improve Federal efforts with respect to the prevention of maternal mortality, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6299 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to ensure the appropriate availability of short-term limited duration insurance; Sponsor: Fulcher, Russ [Rep.-R-ID-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6296 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6294 — To require health warning labeling of foods, and to impose restrictions on advertisements directed at children, for the purpose of reducing childhood diabetes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Beyer, Donald S. [Rep.-D-VA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce