Hart Health Strategies

Appropriations Update – The House of Representatives passed the $47.3 billion National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (H.R. 8595) in a 217-209 vote on Wednesday. The spending bill represents a 6% reduction compared to FY 2026. It includes nearly $8.9 billion in global health funding, $532 million below currently enacted levels. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief would receive $5.5 billion, while The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria would receive $1.25 billion. The House rule for consideration of H.R. 8595 added the text of the SAVE America Act (S. 1383) upon passage.

 

On Friday, House Republicans released the text of a stopgap spending measure to extend government funding at current levels until after the November midterm elections. The continuing resolution would fund the government through December 4. The chamber is expected to consider the measure on the House floor this week. Congress faces a September 30 deadline to pass a funding bill and avoid a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year.

 

House Passes Budget Resolution – Republicans on the House Budget Committee voted to approve a budget resolution along party lines on Thursday, completing the first step toward advancing the third budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump’s second term in office. The $95 billion budget blueprint does not contain instructions for the Energy and Commerce or Ways and Means committees – the key panels with healthcare jurisdiction – meaning major health provisions or offsets will not be included in the eventual budget bill. The next reconciliation package is instead expected to focus on defense spending, aid to farmers, and voting integrity. Due to the narrow focus, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) said they are already “looking at reconciliation 4.0 to do the things that are left out of this one.”

 

Physician Lawmakers Introduce MACRA Reform Legislation – Reps. John Joyce, MD (R-Pa.), Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.), and Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.), with two dozen other members, have introduced a comprehensive bill to reform the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA). The bipartisan Patients First Act (H.R. 9693) would:

• Tie physician reimbursement to an inflationary measure.
• Establish a primary care hybrid payment pilot program that pays primary care providers a per-member-per-month payment along with regular services.
• Rebrand the Medicare Quality Payment Program and transition to the Patient Outcome Improvement National Tabulation System (POINTS), and establish a physician and clinician-led task force at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to develop quality metrics.
• Freeze advanced-alternative payment model participation thresholds for three years and create notice and comment periods for Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation mandatory models.
• Increase the budget neutrality threshold from $20 million to $57.64 million.

The bill text can be found here and a summary here.

 

Rep. Greg Murphy, MD Pens Op-Ed on Insurance Industry – In an op-ed published in The Hill on Monday, Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.) called on Congress to take action regarding the health insurance industry, highlighting that the seven largest for-profit insurers made nearly $1.7 trillion in total revenues – representing at least $54 billion in profits – last year. He specifically takes issue with the practice of stock buybacks, arguing that when insurance companies use excess profit to buy back their own stock“ it augments the upward spiral of patient financial distress as they try to pay for healthcare.” Rep. Murphy also acknowledges that increases in prior authorizations and claims denials make care more expensive and harder to access, while tying the “explosion of vertical integration, and its subsequent price tag” to the establishment of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance marketplace.

 

House Committees Markup Health Bills – The House Ways and Means Committee favorably reported seven pieces of health legislation last week. Each of the bills, apart from H.R. 9645, was advanced unanimously.

• Essential Caregivers Act (H.R. 9641)
• Rural Patient Monitoring Access Act (H.R. 3108)
• Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act (H.R. 9642)
• Saving Today’s Acute-Care Resources Act (H.R. 9468)
• Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514)
• Medicare Advantage MLR Transparency Act (H.R. 9644)
• Health Care Price Certainty for All Americans Act (H.R. 9645), which passed in a 25-15 vote.

 

On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced three bills by voice vote aimed at addressing existing and emerging illicit drug threats.

• PRESS Act (H.R. 7184)
• Stop Pills That Kill Act (H.R. 8005)
• Fight Illicit Pill Presses Act (H.R. 5880)

 

Senate GOP Blocks WISeR Resolution – Senate Republicans voted down a Congressional Review Act resolution (S.J.Res. 198) on Thursday that would have prohibited implementation of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model. The resolution failed in a 46-50 vote. The WISeR pilot program, which launched on January 1 in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington, uses artificial intelligence to apply prior authorization for 13 medical services deemed low-value or vulnerable to misuse in the traditional Medicare program. The model is set to run for six years.

 

House Postpones Vote on Veteran Benefits Package – The House of Representatives postponed a planned vote last week on legislation (H.R. 9237) to overhaul disability, healthcare, and other benefits for veterans. The package included the text of more than 60 bills, many of which had bipartisan support. Some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, however, expressed concern about the proposed offsets that would have reduced benefits for sleep apnea and tinnitus. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has stated that Republicans will work further on the bill and bring it up again after the chamber’s August recess.

 

GAO Examines Unauthorized Actions in Marketplace Plans – The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last week detailing the need for stronger controls to prevent unauthorized actions by agents and brokers in the federal insurance marketplace. The report finds that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) existing safeguards do not always protect consumers from unauthorized activity by unscrupulous agents and brokers, such as fraudulent enrollments or plan switching without the consumers’ knowledge or consent. The number of consumer complaints of unauthorized enrollments and plan switches increased from 66,548 in 2023 to 299,604 in 2025. GAO recommends that CMS design and implement stronger controls to verify consumer consent to agent and broker actions on consumer enrollments, restrict access to consumer information to the agent of record, and notify consumers of agent and broker activity on their federal marketplace enrollments.

 

Darline Graham Nordone Appointed to Fill Late Brother’s Senate Seat – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) has appointed Darline Graham Nordone, Lindsey Graham’s younger sister, to serve the remainder of the late senator’s term. She was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon. The special Republican primary to fill Graham’s seat must be held by August 11, and candidates can formally file to run between July 21 and July 28. While Darline Graham has not yet announced whether she will run for a full Senate term, she has already received the endorsement of President Donald Trump. The eventual Republican nominee will face Annie Andrews, MD, a pediatrician and professor at the University of South Carolina, who won the Democratic primary in June.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Energy and Commerce Committee markup of 29 bills, including the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act (H.R. 9393), Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514), and Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act (H.R. 5526); 5:00 p.m.; July 20

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee markup of 13 health bills, including the EMPOWER for Health Act (H.R. 4110) and Title VIII Nursing Workforce Reauthorization Act (S. 1874); 10:00 a.m.; July 22

 

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee markup including the Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act (H.R. 6610); July 22

 

Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “Advancing the Mission: Evaluating the Future of VA Research;” 4:00 p.m.; July 22

 

Senate HELP Committee executive session to consider the nominations of Sean Kaufman to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response for the Department of Health and Human Services, Erica Schwartz to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Keith Sonderling to be Secretary of Labor; 10:00 a.m.; July 23

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9641 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to require certain facilities to permit visits from an essential caregiver during certain periods; Sponsor: Tenney, Claudia [Rep.-R-NY-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9642 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide payment under part A of the Medicare program on a reasonable cost basis for anesthesia services furnished by an anesthesiologist in certain rural hospitals and critical access hospitals; Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9644 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to promote transparency of Medicare Advantage plan information; Sponsor: Moran, Nathaniel [Rep.-R-TX-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9645 — To promote health care price transparency, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Jason [Rep.-R-MO-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9656 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require hospitals participating in Federal health care programs to report certain information related to immigration status; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.4963 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modernize payments for ambulatory surgical centers under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4972 — A bill to amend title 11, United States Code, to provide bankruptcy protections for medically distressed debtors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.R.9661 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to codify that the default expectation for licensure of biological products as biosimilar does not include clinical studies assessing pharmacodynamics or comparative clinical efficacy, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9666 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to use four-dimensional functional lung imaging software product to identify respiratory disorders and lung disease in veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ciscomani, Juan [Rep.-R-AZ-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9669 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, to establish a 5-year pilot program under which the Secretary will award grants to eligible entities for purposes of expanding forensic assertive community treatment team programs; Sponsor: Adams, Alma S. [Rep.-D-NC-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9670 —To amend title 11, United States Code, to provide bankruptcy protections for medically distressed debtors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Financial Services

 

H.R.9671 — To expand access for workers experiencing symptoms related to menopause and the menopause transition to reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform the essential functions of their job without risking their health or economic security; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; House Administration; Oversight and Government Reform; Judiciary

 

H.R.9672 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to make updates to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9675 — To authorize the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, acting through the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, to award grants to States to expand access to clinically appropriate services for opioid abuse, dependence, or addiction; Sponsor: Foster, Bill [Rep.-D-IL-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9676 — To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to evaluate and report on the inpatient and outpatient treatment capacity, availability, and needs of the United States with respect to opioid-use disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Foster, Bill [Rep.-D-IL-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources

 

H.R.9682 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out activities to eliminate hepatitis C virus in the United States; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Natural Resources; Ways and Means

 

S.4986 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Medicaid program for services provided by doulas, midwives, and lactation support providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4987 — A bill to require the Federal Trade Commission to submit a report on foreign investment in the pharmaceutical industry of the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.4989 — A bill to improve the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Hollen, Chris [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4993 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a precision oncology program for cancer of the prostate at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.4994 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for credits against tax for domestic manufacturing of critical medical supplies and drugs; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4997 — A bill to set forth requirements for the regulation by the Food and Drug Administration of nitrous oxide products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5004 — A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require a group health plan (or health insurance coverage offered in connection with such a plan) to provide for cost-sharing for oral anticancer drugs on terms no less favorable than the cost-sharing provided for anticancer medications administered by a health care provider; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9693 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify certain physician payments under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9696 — To improve the quality, appropriateness, and effectiveness of diagnosis in health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Beyer, Donald S. [Rep.-D-VA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9699 – To require the Department of Health and Human Services to release documents, communications, and other information relating to most favored nation pricing agreements and other private or confidential drug pricing deals struck with manufacturers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Budget

 

H.R.9702 — To establish a public health plan; Sponsor: Craig, Angie [Rep.-D-MN-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Judiciary

 

H.R.9703 — To require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test allowing blood transfusions to be paid separately from the Medicare hospice all-inclusive per diem payment; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9709 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust the applicability of the income related monthly adjustment amount to premiums under part B of Medicare; Sponsor: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9712 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide coverage under the Medicaid program for services provided by doulas, midwives, and lactation support providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.5012 — A bill to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for career support for a skilled, internationally educated health care workforce; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.5013 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program to use amounts under the Veteran-Directed Care program to provide care to veterans with acquired brain injury, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5027 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure fair reimbursement rates for home and community-based services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Heinrich, Martin [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.5030 — A bill to amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage that provide benefits for sex-rejecting procedures to provide benefits for items and services to address the harms caused by sex-rejecting procedures and to restore healthy human form and functioning, to the greatest extent possible; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1437 — Recognizing that equity, diversity, and inclusion in federally funded health research is necessary to enhance scientific excellence, and ensure equitable outcomes for patients in the United States; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9734 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish requirements for the use of artificial intelligence in prior authorization denials by Medicare Advantage organizations; Sponsor: Conaway, Herbert C. [Rep.-D-NJ-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9743 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage that provide benefits for sex-rejecting procedures to provide benefits for items and services to address the harms caused by sex-rejecting procedures and to restore healthy human form and functioning, to the greatest extent practicable; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9747 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for career support for a skilled, internationally educated health care workforce; Sponsor: Krishnamoorthi, Raja [Rep.-D-IL-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9752 —To amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure fair reimbursement rates for home and community-based services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Leger Fernandez, Teresa [Rep.-D-NM-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9753 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain retirement plan distributions used to pay qualified fertility treatment expenses from the early withdrawal tax; Sponsor: Levin, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-49]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9754 — To direct the Secretary of Labor to require group health plans include certain information on claim denials in annual reports, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McBath, Lucy [Rep.-D-GA-6]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9755 — To establishes a new position of Senior Biotechnology Official within the Department of State to enhance United States leadership in global biotechnology challenges by leading United States efforts in biotechnology diplomacy, security, and innovation, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.9756 — To direct the Director of the Bureau of Prisons to provide medication assisted treatment for opioid addiction to certain women; Sponsor: McGuire, John J. [Rep.-R-VA-5]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.9759 — To provide funding for programs and activities under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Judiciary; Oversight and Government Reform; Education and Workforce; Financial Services

South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 – Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday after a “brief and sudden illness,” according to a statement from his office. Sen. Graham had served in the Senate since 2002. He was the chairman of the Budget Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. Given these leadership roles, his death will impact Republican efforts to move Reconciliation 3.0 and the fiscal year 2027 appropriations process. Graham was also a senior member of the Judiciary and Enviornment and Public Works committees. It is not yet clear how his passing will affect the Senate schedule this week.  No funeral plans have been announced, and Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has not announced any changes to the Senate floor schedule.

 

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster (R) will appoint someone to serve out the remainder of Graham’s term, which ends on January 3, 2027. The special Republican primary to fill Graham’s seat must be held by August 11, and candidates can formally file to run between July 21 to July 28. The Republican nominee will face against Annie Andrews, MD a pediatrician and professor at the University of South Carolina, who won the Democratic primary in June.

 

McConnell Issues Statement on Fall, Hospitalization — After weeks of speculation, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) released a statement on Sunday explaining that he suffered a fall last month and is also recovering from a mild case of pneumonia. He expects to be out at least a little while longer while he recovers. In McConnell’s absence, Senate Republicans have been limited in their ability to advance appropriations bills.

 

Lawmakers Weigh In on OMB Grantmaking Rule – Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee has sent a letter asking the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to withdraw certain provisions of its Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance proposed rule. She specifically expresses concern about portions of the regulation that would potentially harm small and rural communities and scientific and biomedical research. Collins argues that authorizing mid-award termination of federal awards, with limited ability to appeal, would inject uncertainty into the award process and make these awards more costly. She also asserts that adding an additional review for awards “that have already been selected through a scientific, merit-based peer review process would undermine the objective that the federal government fund scientific and biomedical research projects based on scientific merit and value, rather than political ideology.” The letter further outlines how the proposed rule would add additional administrative burdens on recipients and sub-recipients of federal financial assistance awards, and highlights how the proposed rule “fails to address how OMB and agencies would ensure that consideration of the President’s policy priorities does not supersede congressional intent for the administration of these awards.” In the letter, Sen. Collins asks OMB to extend the comment period for the proposed rule by no less than 90 days.

 

Democrats have also weighed in on the regulation, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) leading the entire Senate Democratic caucus in demanding that the rule be immediately rescinded. Their letter warns that the proposal exceeds OMB’s statutory authority, undermines Congress’s constitutional power of the purse, and would allow the President to weaponize federal grants for political purposes. “OMB’s proposal unlawfully seeks to substitute Congress’s role in directing federal spending with the President’s preferred priorities, and in doing so, makes it harder for every community and organization in the United States to fairly access federal funding,” the letter argues.

 

More than 275,000 comments have been submitted on the proposed rule to date. Comments are due on or before July 13, 2026.

 

Grassley Requests Probe into Children’s Transplant Waiting List – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is requesting that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate organ transplant wait times for pediatric patients. Sen. Grassley’s letter outlines the specific challenges related to organ allocation and transplantation for children, highlighting that 2,000 patients under the age of 18 remain on the national waiting list for organ transplants. He asks that GAO also review the mortality rate for children on the waitlist awaiting organ transplants and any actions the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network have taken to increase the supply of organs available for pediatric patients .

 

HHS Delays USPSTF Meeting Again – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has again delayed a scheduled meeting of the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). USPSTF is responsible for determining which preventive medical services are recommended and therefore must be fully covered by insurers, as established by the Affordable Care Act. The panel, which typically meets three times a year, has not met in person since March 2025. An HHS spokesperson clarified that the decision to postpone the latest meeting until late August was in response to an “unprecedented” number of nominations to serve on the task force. USPSTF currently has just eight out of 16 sitting members; HHS has not appointed replacements for the five members who saw their terms expire at the beginning of this year. A solicitation for nominations to serve on USPSTF was issued in April with a deadline for submissions of May 23.

    

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Education and Workforce Committee hearing “Training Activists, Not Physicians: The Impact of DEI on Medical Schools;” 10:15 a.m.; July 14

 

Senate Judiciary Committee hearing “From Genes to Machines: the Patent Eligibility Debate;” 10:15 a.m.; July 14

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing to consider the nominations of Sean Kaufman to be Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response for the Department of Health and Human Services and Erica Schwartz to be Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 10:00 a.m.; July 15

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Maintaining America’s Leadership in Biomedical Innovation: FDA’s Role in Advancing U.S. Drug Development;” 10:15 a.m.; July 15

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing to receive testimony on the Tricare Pharmacy Program;  2:30 p.m.; July 15

Senate Aging Committee hearing “Behind the Label: Foreign Ownership and Control in America’s Drug Supply Chain;” 3:30 p.m.; July 15

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9578 — To require AI-generated content is labeled as AI-generated with the metadata of the output or by other technological means, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9599 – To strengthen the 340B drug discount program; Sponsor: Peters, Scott H. [Rep.-D-CA-50]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9605 — To ensure the Department of Health and Human Services will manage accreditation for foreign medical schools, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grothman, Glenn [Rep.-R-WI-6]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9623 — To repeal the Medicaid-related portions of An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14; Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9629 — To require an assessment of the environmental and public health effects of data centers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9632 —To better coordinate Federal efforts to utilize advance technologies, such as AI, to improve diagnoses, treatments, cures, and prevention strategies for pediatric cancer, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCaul, Michael T. [Rep.-R-TX-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9635 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish special rules to provide for continued review of human drug and device submissions during a lapse of appropriations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mullin, Kevin [Rep.-D-CA-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

House Passes Bill to Reduce ACO Reporting Burden – The House of Representatives passed the Health Care Efficiency through Flexibility Act (H.R. 5347) by voice vote on Monday. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), would permit a wider variety of quality measure reporting methods for Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) through 2029, including the currently in-place electronic Clinical Quality Measures (eCQMs). The bill also clarifies data completeness requirements and creates a digital quality measure pilot program.

 

Ways and Means Advances Hospital Transparency Legislation – The House Ways and Means Committee advanced the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act (H.R. 9504) on Wednesday. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Greg Murphy, MD (R-N.C.), would require tax exempt hospitals to report more details on income, charity care expenditures, advertising, community benefits, and quality improvement. Consideration of the bill by the Committee was previously delayed due to pushback from the hospital industry.

 

HELP Expected to Consider CDC Director, Surgeon General Nominees This Month – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee is expected to hold confirmation hearings for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director nominee Erica Schwartz, MD, JD, MPH and surgeon general nominee Nicole Saphier, MD sometime this month, according to a committee spokesperson. HELP Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD has expressed support for both nominees, who are considered more conventional picks than some of the Trump administration’s prior candidates for the positions. Dr. Schwartz’s required ethics and financial disclosure paperwork have already been posted by the Office of Government Ethics, while Dr. Saphier’s are not yet available.

 

China Panel Questions Companies Conducting Clinical Trials in China – The House Select Committee on China has written to Pfizer, AbbVie, Merck, Eli Lilly, and Bristol Meyers Squibb about clinical trials being conducted in China. Chairman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) requests information on company standards for the conduct of such clinical trials, data on the number of trials conducted in China, details on the due diligence process for protecting IP and sensitive data, and a list of all licensing, equity, or joint venture deals with Chinese biotechnology companies. Responses are requested by July 17.

 

Dept. of Education Expands List of Professional Degrees – The Department of Education has announced a new list of degrees that qualify as professional degrees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s (OBBBA) new caps on borrowing limits for graduate and professional degree programs. The original rule, which was recently blocked by a federal judge for violating the Administrative Procedure Act, included just 11 professional degrees, excluding certain graduate level clinical programs – such as nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The new definition includes 29 fields. The administration has clarified that the expanded list is intended only to facilitate implementation of the Court’s order, but may change as litigation proceeds. Under the OBBBA caps, students pursuing professional degrees can borrow up to $50,000 a year and $200,000 total, while those in graduate programs can borrow up to $20,500 annually and $100,000 total. The new caps went into effect on July 1.

 

New ACIP Charter – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently posted a new charter for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The document broadens the qualifications for individuals to serve on the panel, stating that members should “represent a balanced range of scientific, clinical, and public health expertise relevant to the Committee’s mission.” It would also delegate management and support of ACIP from the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases to the CDC Office of the Chief of Staff and the CDC director, as well as modify the composition of the committee’s liaison membership. A federal judge recently blocked U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s attempt to reconstitute ACIP with his own membership selections. Some critics have characterized the new charter as an attempt to sidestep the court ruling.

 

DeGette Defeated in CO Primary – Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) was defeated in the Colorado Democratic primary for the state’s 1^st congressional district last week. Rep. DeGette was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996. She currently serves as ranking member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and co-chair of the House Diabetes Caucus. DeGette was an original author of the 2016 landmark law the 21^st Century Cures Act, and has been a champion of progressive health causes – supporting Medicare for All and access to abortion – during her time in Congress. She conceded the race to democratic socialist Melat Kiros, a lawyer.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing to receive testimony on the Tricare Pharmacy Program; 2:30 p.m.; July 15

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9533 — To amend the VA MISSION Act of 2018 to require the publication of certain information regarding staffing and vacancies in the Veterans Health Administration, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9532 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit group health plan payment clawbacks in certain circumstances. Sponsor: Torres, Ritchie [Rep.-D-NY-15]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9531 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to conduct a report on testing for helicobacter pylori for members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.9525 — To amend title 18, United States Code, to limit the ability to assess a fee for health care services for prisoners, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Norton, Eleanor Holmes [Del.-D-DC-At Large]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.9524 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and to provide for coordination between the Secretaries in the administration of the Veterans Community Care Program and certain health plans under the Medicare program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9518 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow contributions to a health savings account when a spouse has a health flexible spending account. Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9515 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to require the use of multi-factor authentication to access certain information through healthcare.gov. Sponsor: Grothman, Glenn [Rep.-R-WI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9513 — To direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a grant program to support the integration of school-based health services into community schools, and for other purposes. Sponsor: García, Jesús G. “Chuy” [Rep.-D-IL-4]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9510 — To direct the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health to make publicly available all national policies of the Veterans Health Administration. Sponsor: Dexter, Maxine [Rep.-D-OR-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9509 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act with respect to the coverage of kidney disease education services under Medicare and private health insurance. Sponsor: DelBene, Suzan K. [Rep.-D-WA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9504 — Tax Exempt Hospital Transparency Act – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish additional reporting requirements for hospital organizations, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9502 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to seek to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to avoid duplicative, improper, or erroneous billings or payments for hospital care and medical services furnished under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sponsor: Bresnahan, Robert P. [Rep.-R-PA-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1397 — Expressing support for the designation of June 28, 2026, as “Community is Stronger than Cancer Day”. Sponsor: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [Rep.-D-FL-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1396 — Expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2026 as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month” and June 27, 2026, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day”. Sponsor: Peters, Scott H. [Rep.-D-CA-50]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9561 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study on the feasibility of developing an accurate and reliable standardized test for detecting tuberculosis in tissue from a human cadaver, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2] ; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9559 — To accelerate the development of, and access to, psychedelic drugs that could save lives and reverse the crisis of serious mental illness in the United States, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Luttrell, Morgan [Rep.-R-TX-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9551 — To provide for civil monetary penalties for violations of mental health parity requirements. Sponsor: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9547 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to submit to Congress a report on emerging investigational treatment options for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and members transitioning to civilian life, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Hamadeh, Abraham J. [Rep.-R-AZ-8]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.9544 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate payments under Medicare Advantage, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9542 — To repeal the Medicaid-related portions of An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14. Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9538 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish coverage for certain residential substance use disorder services under the Medicare program. Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1404 — Recognizing the 250th Anniversary of the United States and reaffirming the importance of prevention, public health, and access to healthcare. Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1403 — Expressing the sense of Congress that Medicaid is an important lifeline for the health care of millions of Americans. Sponsor: Boyle, Brendan F. [Rep.-D-PA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1402 — Supporting the goals and ideals of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

E&C Health Subcommittee Advances 15 Bills – The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health advanced 15 bills to the full committee on Thursday; notably including the prior authorization legislation (H.R. 3514) which recently surpassed the threshold of 290 cosponsors needed to ensure inclusion on the House Consensus Calendar – a procedural tool allowing bills to bypass committee consideration. The following bills, each favorably reported by a voice vote, are focused on protecting Americans from illicit substances and increasing price transparency:

• Lower Costs, More Transparency Act of 2026 (H.R. 9393)
• Premium Transparency Act (H.R. 9397)
• Prior Authorization Accountability Act (H.R. 9396)
• Prices on the Wall Act (H.R. 9390)
• Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514)
• The Medicare Advantage Cost Transparency Act (H.R. 9392)
• R. 5243, legislation to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage, was forwarded to the full committee, as amended
• Transparency in Medicare Advantage Steering Act (H.R. 9395)
• Combatting Illicit Xylazine Act (H.R. 1266)
• Tyler’s Law (H.R. 2004)
• STOP Nitazenes Act (H.R. 7970)
• ALERT Communities Act (H.R. 1561)
• HERO Act (H.R. 7994)
• Nutrition Education and Chronic Disease Prevention in Community Health Centers Act (H.R. 9389)
• Expanding Community Access to Health Services Act (H.R. 8201)

 

Cassidy Releases 340B Discussion Draft – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD has released a discussion draft of legislation to reform the 340B drug pricing program. The 340B Drug Pricing Integrity and Affordability for Patients Act would clarify key definitions related to the program, create transparency and reporting requirements around how 340B revenue is being used, operationalize a new sliding fee scale for low-income patients being served by hospital covered entities, reform the 340B Prime Vendor Program, and address covered entity eligibility and contract pharmacy practices. The draft bill follows a year-long investigation into different aspects of the 340B program by Sen. Cassidy, who previously released a report on how covered entities use and generate revenue from 340B and convened a committee hearing on the subject. Cassidy is requesting stakeholder feedback on the proposal be sent to [email protected] by August 28, 2026.

 

Democrats Ask NIH Director to Oppose OMB Changes to Federal Grantmaking – Democratic leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have sent a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding proposed revisions to the Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance. The lawmakers argue that the proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will undermine scientific integrity and politicize grant funding decisions at the NIH. “The damage of this obvious power grab by political leadership in the Trump administration threatens to inflict severe harm on the nation’s biomedical research enterprise by usurping the critical role of scientific experts in the approval and funding of grants at NIH,” the letter states. “We fear this rule will lead to fewer cures, fewer clinical trials, and more exposure to dangerous public health hazards.” The lawmakers urge NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD to demand that the proposed rule be rescinded.

 

Buddy Carter Urges AMA to Reconsider Change to Maternity Billing Policy – Rep. Buddy Carter, BSPharm (R-Ga.) has sent a letter to the American Medical Association (AMA) expressing opposition to the group’s decision to change how doctors are reimbursed for maternity care. The AMA has proposed to replace the existing bundled maternity care CPT framework with individually billable services starting January 1, 2027. “This is not a routine coding update,” Rep. Carter writes. “It is a fundamental restructuring of how maternity care is reimbursed throughout the American healthcare system. The AMA has advanced this change despite serious concerns regarding affordability, care coordination, administrative burden, wasteful spending, and its inconsistency with broader healthcare efforts to move toward value-based care.”

 

Espaillat, Goldman Lose NY Reelection Bids – Rep. Adriano Espaillat lost his race in the Democratic primary for New York’s 13^th Congressional District. Espaillat is the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus who currently serves on the Appropriations Committee. He conceded the race to progressive activist Darializa Avila Chevalier. Rep. Dan Goldman was also defeated in the New York Democratic congressional primary last week. Goldman, who was first elected to Congress in 2022, currently serves on the Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. He was defeated by former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

 

Judge Temporarily Blocks Change to Professional Degree Definition – A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s narrowed definition of professional degree. The decision relates to the recently finalized rule from the Department of Education implementing new caps on borrowing limits for graduate and professional degree programs, as established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The rule excluded certain graduate level clinical programs – such as nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – from the definition of professional degree. U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the addition of requirements to the definition of professional degree is in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. The change was set to go into effect on July 1. A coalition of healthcare professionals are suing the administration, arguing that the change will irreparably harm students in impacted programs. Last week’s court decision will block implementation of the narrowed definition while the case proceeds.

 

President Taps Chris Klomp for HHS Deputy Secretary – The President has nominated Chris Klomp to serve as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The number two position at HHS has been vacant since the departure of Jim O’Neill in February. Klomp, a tech entrepreneur, currently serves as HHS chief counselor and director of Medicare at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. His nomination will be considered by the Senate Finance Committee.

 

Names Emerge to Lead FDA – The White House is reportedly considering tapping Heidi Overton, MD to serve as the next commissioner of Food and Drugs. Overton, a medical doctor with a doctorate in clinical investigation, is a deputy assistant to the President for domestic policy working on health issues. She previously worked at the America First Policy Institute. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been without a permanent leader since Marty Makary, MD resigned in May. Other candidates reportedly under consideration for the top position include cancer physician Jeff Vacirca, MD and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Health Affairs Stephen Ferrara, MD. The administration is expected to announce an FDA senior leadership team at the same time as the commissioner nominee.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government oversight hearing on the Office of Management and Budget; 10:00 a.m.; June 30

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health legislative hearing; 10:15 a.m.; June 30

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing “American Global Competitiveness at 250: Legislative Proposals to Secure U.S. Technology Leadership;” 2:00 p.m.; June 30

 

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “Direct Contracting: A Prescription for Lower Health Care Costs;” 10:15 a.m.; July 1

 

Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel hearing to receive testimony on the Tricare Pharmacy Program; 2:30 p.m.; July 15

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9376 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to codify the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report and to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to study the effects of the Chaplain Service of the Department on the risk of suicide among veterans. Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9365 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an office to assist communities in providing mental health services to individuals experiencing fear-based trauma related to immigration law enforcement actions taken by Federal agencies, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rivas, Luz M. [Rep.-D-CA-29]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9364 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit Medicare Advantage plans from imposing prior authorization with respect to repairs to complex rehabilitation technology. Sponsor: Pressley, Ayanna [Rep.-D-MA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9363 — To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to establish a center on artificial intelligence to ensure continued United States leadership in research, development, and evaluation of artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Obernolte, Jay [Rep.-R-CA-23]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9352 — To require reports regarding artificial intelligence-related job impacts, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9345 —To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to establish a resources test for eligibility under the Medicaid program for the expansion population. Sponsor: Cloud, Michael [Rep.-R-TX-27]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9341 —To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop guidelines to assist agencies with preparing open Government data assets to be used to train artificial intelligence models, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Babin, Brian [Rep.-R-TX-36]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9336 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require States to take into account performance when assigning individuals to managed care entities under the Medicaid program. Sponsor: Goldman, Craig A. [Rep.-R-TX-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9334 —To amend the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 to facilitate the growth of multidisciplinary teams that can advance the development and training of safe and trustworthy artificial intelligence systems, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Lofgren, Zoe [Rep.-D-CA-18] (Introduced 06/18/2026) Cosponsors: (1) Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9333 – To direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a program for the voluntary reporting of artificial intelligence flaws and the acceleration of detection and monitoring of such flaws, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Ross, Deborah K. [Rep.-D-NC-2]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.J.Res.197 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program”. Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1371 — Expressing support for a “World Sickle Cell Awareness Day” in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease. Sponsor: Davis, Danny K. [Rep.-D-IL-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.4843 — A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4825 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose an excise tax on systemically important AI activity, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4819 — A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to establish an EMS and First Responder Wellness Grant Program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.Res.780 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 19, 2026, as “World Sickle Cell Awareness Day” in order to increase public awareness across the United States and global community about sickle cell disease and the continued need for empirical research, early detection screenings, novel effective treatments leading to a cure, and preventative care programs with respect to complications from sickle cell anemia and conditions relating to sickle cell disease. Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.J.Res.197 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, HHS Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2027; and Basic Health Program”. Sponsor: Baldwin, Tammy [Sen.-D-WI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R. 9381 – To direct the Bureau of Labor Statistics to report on the usage of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Sponsor: Walberg, Tim [R-MI-05]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

S.Res.786 — A resolution designating July 15, 2026, as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Graham, Lindsey [Sen.-R-SC]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4875 — A bill 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: Bennet, Michael F. [Sen.-D-CO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9389 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize funding for nutrition education and chronic disease prevention at federally qualified health centers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9390 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to require certain facilities to post prices on the walls; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9392 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the inclusion of certain information in Medicare Advantage encounter data; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9393 — To promote price transparency in the health care sector; Sponsor: Guthrie, Brett [Rep.-R-KY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9395 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require certain reporting with respect to agents and brokers of Medicare Advantage organizations; Sponsor: Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [Rep.-D-NY-14]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9396 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require the displaying of claim denial rates; Sponsor: Goldman, Craig A. [Rep.-R-TX-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9397 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act and title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure health insurer accountability through publishing of overhead costs and claim payments, and to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on the provision of certain insurance information; Sponsor: Pfluger, August [Rep.-R-TX-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9406 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the cap on the number of waivers to certain pay limitations that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may issue for critical health care personnel of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.J.Res.198 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model”; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4878 — A bill to provide for the establishment of an education program to expand abortion care training and access; Sponsor: Baldwin, Tammy [Sen.-D-WI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4879 — A bill to ensure the right to provide reproductive health care services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4885 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a national, evidence-based education campaign to increase public and health care provider awareness regarding the potential risks and benefits of human cell and tissue products transplants, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Peters, Gary C. [Sen.-D-MI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4886 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect against high out-of-pocket expenditures for Medicare fee-for-service benefits, and to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to enhance programs that protect low-income Medicare beneficiaries; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4888 — A bill to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to maintain and expand a program on child sexual abuse prevention; Sponsor: Alsobrooks, Angela D. [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4889 — A bill to award grants for the creation, recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce and to award grants to support family caregivers; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4895 — A bill to provide funding for programs and activities under the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4898 — A bill to implement recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States for improving the Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor program and identifying additional opportunities to recover Medicaid overpayments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4913 — A bill to amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act to improve Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program for low-income mothers; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4920 — A bill to ensure the privacy of pregnancy termination or loss information under the HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4924 — A bill to preserve patient access to health care providers and prescription drug coverage under Medicare and individual market plans; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4927 — A bill to establish a guaranteed funding stream to keep existing emergency rooms at America’s rural hospitals open, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hawley, Josh [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4929 — A bill to require continued participation by the United States in the World Health Organization, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.4939 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to review certain medical devices manufactured in the People’s Republic of China for potential cybersecurity issues, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4941 — A bill to expand access to methadone through alternative care models using pharmacies; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9418 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide a review process for adverse national coverage determinations with respect to drug coverage under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9421 — To prohibit a REMS-certified provider from prescribing mifepristone without an in-person visit and a medical license in the State in which the patient resides, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Biggs, Sheri [Rep.-R-SC-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9422 — To implement recommendations of the Comptroller General of the United States for improving the Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractor program and identifying additional opportunities to recover Medicaid overpayments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9431 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to prohibit health care providers and facilities from imposing certain facility fees for telehealth; Sponsor: Hayes, Jahana [Rep.-D-CT-5]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9433 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a pilot program to provide mental and behavioral health support to friends and families of veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, Timothy M. [Rep.-D-NY-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9439 — To amend the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to direct the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a pilot program and develop voluntary disclosure standards relating to the use of artificial intelligence systems by private sector entities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lofgren, Zoe [Rep.-D-CA-18]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9441 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for coverage of expenses to improve the reproductive health care workforce; Sponsor: Morrison, Kelly [Rep.-D-MN-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9445 — To ensure the right to provide reproductive health care services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.9446 — VA Health Care Capacity Assessment Act; Sponsor: Takano, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-39]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9448 — To ensure the accessibility of reproductive healthcare for Federal employees, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Walkinshaw, James R. [Rep.-D-VA-11]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform; Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.9455 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to limit eligibility for the premium tax credit to individuals enrolled in qualified health plans offered by health insurance issuers that offer at least one qualified health plan which provides the option to make monthly cost-sharing payments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9466 — To improve the integrity and oversight of the Foreign Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harrigan, Pat [Rep.-R-NC-10]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9468 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to adjust long-term care hospital payment rates under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9470 — To ensure the privacy of pregnancy termination or loss information under the HIPAA privacy regulations and the HITECH Act; Sponsor: Jacobs, Sara [Rep.-D-CA-51]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9476 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services in administering the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9477 — To require certain artificial intelligence model developers to submit reports to the Secretary of Commerce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moran, Nathaniel [Rep.-R-TX-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9486 —  To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to increase transparency of group health plan data, prevent discrimination, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Takano, Mark [Rep.-D-CA-39]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9488 — To provide for the designation of areas as Health Disparity Zones to reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes in such areas, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Thanedar, Shri [Rep.-D-MI-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

HELP Advances Seven Health Bills – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee advanced seven healthcare bills during a markup last Wednesday. The legislation approved by the panel include:

• The Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Protection Act;

• The Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2026;

• The Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act;

• The EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025;

• The Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act of 2026;

• The Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act; and

• The Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act.

During the markup, committee members also debated the Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act, ultimately punting on voting on the bill. The legislation aims to increase access to generic pharmaceuticals by preventing brand manufacturers from using citizen petitions to delay competition. The vote on the bill was postponed following Ranking Member Bernie Sander’s (I-Vt.) attempt to offer amendments to the bill, some of which Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) characterized as poison pills and “more about messaging.”

 

E&C Leaders Request Information on Case Involving Importation of Biological Materials – Republican leadership of the House Energy and Commerce Committee have sent a letter to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) regarding two NIH researchers who allegedly transported biological materials into the U.S. illegally. The correspondence concerns the case of laboratory scientists Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe, who have been charged by the Justice Department with conspiring to smuggle mpox and other biological material into the country in an incident that took place on January 25 at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The researchers were returning to the country from the Republic of Congo; Munster and Kwe have plead not guilty. The committee leaders ask NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD to provide information about “the circumstances surrounding the alleged importation of biological materials, the research activities involving those materials, the adequacy of NIH biosafety oversight, and any corrective actions the agency has taken or plans to take.” A response is requested by June 30.

 

Wyden Releases RFI on Drug Pricing Policy – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) is requesting information about potential drug pricing policy proposals, focusing specifically on lowering the price manufacturers charge for prescription drugs, lowering out-of-pocket costs for patients, and fostering biopharmaceutical innovation in areas of unmet need, bolstering domestic clinical trials, and recruiting and maintaining scientific talent. The policies outlined in the 42-page document could inform the Democratic agenda should the party regain control of one or both chambers of Congress next year. Comments on the request for information (RFI) should be submitted to [email protected] no later than August 17, 2026.

 

CBO Calls for More Research on No Surprises Act – The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) published a blog post last week calling for further research about the effectiveness of the No Surprises Act (NSA). CBO notes that the NSA has protected patients from surprise bills, but that emerging evidence suggests the law “might not have the effects that CBO anticipated.” While prices for some services that had high rates of surprise billing before the law’s enactment have declined, CBO cites reports which “indicate providers are winning more than 8 in 10 independent dispute resolution cases and are being awarded payments that are much higher than expected, particularly in certain geographic areas.” The agency calls for new research that evaluates the law’s effects on healthcare prices and network participation. Comments can be submitted to [email protected].

 

MedPAC Releases June Report to Congress – The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its June report to Congress. The six chapters of the report cover the following topics: improving payment incentives in Medicare; the complexity of Medicare enrollment decisions for beneficiaries; Medicare payment operations and their role in identifying improper payments; estimated association between MA enrollment and hospitals’ and post-acute care providers’ finances; access to hospice and certain complex palliative services for beneficiaries with end-stage renal disease or cancer; and an assessment of the Medicare Ground Ambulance Data Collection System. The full report can be found here.

 

NIH Launches Animal Testing Alternatives Office – The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the formation of a new office focused on the development, validation, and scaling of the use of animal testing alternatives. The Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application will be located in the Division of Program Coordination, Planning, and Strategic Initiatives. “Complex computational models, 3D human tissue models, and other emerging technologies have improved by leaps and bounds in recent years and may hold the key to a more effective research enterprise,” NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya, MD said in a statement. “By strategically capitalizing on these tools and encouraging further innovation, NIH aims to steer biomedical research in this direction.”

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Indian Affairs Committee nomination hearing to consider Mark Cruz to be Director of the Indian Health Service, Department of Health and Human Services; 10:00 a.m.; June 24

 

Joint Economic Committee hearing “Protecting Patients and Taxpayers: Combating Healthcare Fraud and Leakage to Strengthen Program Integrity;” 2:00 p.m.; June 24

 

Senate Appropriations Committee markup of Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act; Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act; Legislative Branch Appropriations Act; 10:00 a.m.; June 25

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “State Medicaid Program Integrity: Examining Fraud Risks and Oversight Deficiencies;” 10:15 a.m.; June 25

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Work & Welfare hearing on the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program: Early Support, Lifelong Impact; 2:00 p.m.; June 25

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9285 — Heat Emergency Assessment and Tracking using AI (HEAT AI) Act – To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a Heat Illness AI Surveillance and Response Program, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9274 — To direct the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to establish a gun violence prevention and public safety database. Sponsor: Foushee, Valerie P. [Rep.-D-NC-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9273 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to require public institutions of higher education that receive grants under the Medical Student Education program to include training for medical students relating to menopause in the curriculums of such institutions, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Foushee, Valerie P. [Rep.-D-NC-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9260 — Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Aderholt, Robert B. [Rep.-R-AL-4]; Committees: House – Appropriations

 

H.R.9257 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide for 3 primary care visits and 3 behavioral health care visits without application of any cost-sharing requirement. Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1365 — Recognizing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) as a serious feeding and eating disorder and acknowledging the urgent need to advance awareness, early identification, research, and equitable access to care. Sponsor: Velázquez, Nydia M. [Rep.-D-NY-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

S.4776 — A bill to repeal certain impediments to the administration of the firearms laws. Sponsor: Kim, Andy [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4775 — A bill to amend the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act to clarify liability protections for firearms and associated manufacturers and retailers, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4754 — A bill to amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide for 3 primary care visits and 3 behavioral health care visits without application of any cost-sharing requirement. Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4751 — A bill to prevent, treat, and cure tuberculosis globally. Sponsor: Young, Todd [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

H.R.9326 — To promote United States leadership in technical standards by directing the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the Department of State to take certain actions to encourage and enable United States participation in developing standards and specifications for artificial intelligence and other critical and emerging technologies, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Webster, Daniel [Rep.-R-FL-11]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9323 — To establish the Department of Advanced Technology and Artificial Intelligence, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rivas, Luz M. [Rep.-D-CA-29]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

Appropriations Update – The House Appropriations Committee favorably reported the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Labor-Health and Human Services spending bill to the full House of Representatives by a party line vote of 34-28 on Tuesday following a 12-hour markup. Under the legislation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would receive $110.8 billion in total funding, a 4% or roughly $4 billion cut. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would receive a $100 million funding increase, with targeted increases directed toward research on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, diabetes, women’s health, and rare diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would see a $1 billion cut under the bill. There would be no direct appropriations changes for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The package reduces funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration by $873 million, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) would be eliminated entirely. Funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration would be reduced by $145.3 million.

 

Similar to last year, the manager’s amendment adopted by appropriators would prohibit HHS from spending funds on the Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model or any other model that would employ prior authorization in the traditional Medicare program. It also includes a request for a report from CMS on the impact of WISeR and how states were selected for participation in the model. The package also specifies that funds cannot be spent on administering federal student aid programs in a manner that does not designate advanced nursing programs as professional degree programs. This provision is in response to a recently finalized rule from the Department of Education implementing new caps on borrowing limits for graduate and professional degree programs, as established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The rule excluded certain graduate level clinical programs – such as nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – from the definition of professional degree. During the markup, the committee adopted a bipartisan amendment expressing concerns about delays in the availability of NIH grants. The amendment highlights that, as of June 2026, the amount of available competitive NIH awards is down 48%, and the value of all competitive awards is down 40% in FY 2026 as compared to FY 2024. All materials related to the bill, including the full committee mark, summary, and report language, can be found here.

 

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-Maine) decided against marking up any FY 2027 spending bills last week. Appropriators in the Senate have yet to reach an agreement on topline defense and nondefense spending levels for the next fiscal year, and Democrats have said they are withholding their support for individual appropriations bills in the absence of such an agreement. Commerce-Justice-Science, Agriculture-Food and Drug Administration, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Interior-Environment, and Financial Services-General Government were the measures slated for possible consideration earlier this month.

 

GOP Passes Second Reconciliation Bill and Opens Talks on Third – Republicans in the House of Representatives passed a $70 billion budget reconciliation package on Tuesday to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol for three years. The bill, which contains no healthcare provisions, has been signed into law by the President. The GOP is now turning its focus to what could be the third reconciliation bill of the second Trump administration. The President himself has called for a third reconciliation bill to provide $350 million in funding for defense, while Senate Finance Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has suggested inclusion of healthcare entitlement reforms that do not impact access to care as an option for inclusion in a third package. The House Republican Study Committee has begun holding meetings about deficit reduction options that could be included in the next bill, with addressing fraud in Medicare, Medicaid, and other safety-net programs, along with the funding of cost-sharing reduction payments for insurers, reportedly under consideration. Other Republicans have expressed caution about the inclusion of additional healthcare provisions in a new reconciliation bill, with Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Chairman Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) asserting that any healthcare changes should be small to allow systems “to adjust to the changes we’ve already made.” Several Senators, including Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chairman Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), have expressed reservations about a third reconciliation bill, with McConnell stating at a hearing this week that he thinks “it’s safe to conclude there will not be another reconciliation bill.”

 

Prior Authorization Bill Reaches 290 Cosponsors – The Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act (H.R. 3514) has hit 290 cosponsors in the House of Representatives. This milestone allows a motion to be filed to place the bill on the House consensus calendar, giving the primary committee of jurisdiction 25 days to advance the legislation before the bill is moved to the consensus calendar for a vote on the floor. The bipartisan legislation, introduced by Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), aims to improve the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process for certain treatments and tests. Companion legislation (S. 1816), sponsored by Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.) and Mark Warner (D-Va.), has been introduced in the Senate and currently has 70 cosponsors.

 

FDA Approves New Sunscreen Ingredient – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new sunscreen ingredient for the first time in 20 years. Bemotrizinol is the first new active ingredient added to the over-the-counter sunscreen monograph since the late 1990s; it has been marketed as a sunscreen ingredient in Europe and other countries for decades. Bemotrizinol, which provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body, has been generally recognized as safe and effective for use in sunscreen by adults and children six months of age and older.

 

Judge Rules $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Unlawful – A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to raise the one-time fee for new H-1B visa applications to $100,000. U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns ruled that the proposal, stemming from a September 2025 presidential proclamation, violates the Constitution’s separation of powers, characterizing the policy as an unauthorized tax that requires congressional approval.  H-1B work visas are used and typically paid for by employers looking to hire international workers for specialty jobs. H-1B visa holders are lawfully admitted to the U.S. but are not lawful permanent residents. The Trump administration was sued by 20 states citing the impact of the proposed fee on their ability to hire workers at public institutions like hospitals.

 

Medicare Trustees Annual Report – The Medicare Board of Trustees has released its latest forecast of when funding for the Medicare program will run dry. According to the Board’s annual report, the Hospital Insurance Trust Fund will run out in the second quarter of 2033 – a quarter earlier than last year’s projection. The change is due to a number of factors, including higher use of medical services and lower income tax revenue on Social Security benefits due to changes established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. “The projections in this year’s report continue to demonstrate the need for timely and effective action to address Medicare’s remaining financial challenges — including the HI trust fund’s projected depletion, this fund’s long-range financial imbalance, and the rapid growth in Medicare expenditures,” the trustees wrote.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee executive session to consider S. 1782 – Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Protection Act; S. 3799 – Healthy Start Reauthorization Act of 2026; S. 4109 – Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act; S. 2339 – EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025; S. 4472 – Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act of 2026; S. 2658 – Medication Affordability and Patent Integrity Act; S. 3014 – Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2025; S. 1954 – Biosimilar Red Tape Elimination Act; 10:00 a.m.; June 17

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Counting the Cost: Communist China’s Toll on Older Americans’ Health, Finances, and Security;” 3:30 p.m.; June 17

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1355 — Supporting the designation of the week of June 14 through June 21, 2026, as “National Men’s Health Week”; Sponsor: Carter, Troy A. [Rep.-D-LA-2]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.9247 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure that a suicide prevention coordinator is available at each medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs, including outside the operating hours of such medical center, as needed, to accommodate a request for suicide prevention planning services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9251 — 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: Morrison, Kelly [Rep.-D-MN-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.765 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of July 2026 as “National Sarcoma Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Johnson, Ron [Sen.-R-WI]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4717 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institutes of Health to develop a national strategy to address young adult cancers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9212 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to reimburse veterans for the cost of emergency medical transportation to a Federal facility, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Alford, Mark [Rep.-R-MO-4]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9218 — To direct local educational agencies that receive certain Federal funds to require students in grades 9 through 12 to receive an electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram prior to participating in an athletic contest for the first time, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gottheimer, Josh [Rep.-D-NJ-5]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.9228 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to ensure plan fiduciaries have access to de-identified information relating to health claims, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Onder, Robert F. [Rep.-R-MO-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

S.Res.756 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of June 5, 2026, as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” and June 2026 as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.Res.758 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of June 2026 as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month” and June 27, 2026, as “National Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4698 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the use of investigational individualized medical treatments by patients diagnosed with a life-threatening disease or condition or severely debilitating illness, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Johnson, Ron [Sen.-R-WI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.9186 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act to more closely align the Act with modern medical knowledge, terminology, and practices, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cohen, Steve [Rep.-D-TN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.9190 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize the use of investigational individualized medical treatments by patients diagnosed with a life-threatening disease or condition or severely debilitating illness, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9192 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require health insurance coverage of drugs indicated for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and certain blood disorders; Sponsor: Johnson, Julie [Rep.-D-TX-32]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

S.4694 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a maternity care coordination program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.4692 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to homeopathic drug products, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tuberville, Tommy [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.J.Res.196 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to “Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations”; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

Appropriations Update – The House Appropriations Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee advanced its fiscal year (FY) 2027 funding legislation on Friday in an 11-7 party line vote. The bill, which was released last week, includes a 4% cut to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The National Institutes of Health would receive a $100 million funding increase, with targeted increases directed toward research on cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, diabetes, women’s health, and rare diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would see a $1 billion cut under the legislation. There would be no direct appropriations changes for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). A summary of the bill is available here; bill text is available here. The package will be marked up by the full Appropriations Committee on Tuesday.

 

The FY 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill was passed by the House of Representatives on Thursday in a 213-210 vote. The bill (H.R. 8646), which was previously advanced by the Appropriations Committee in April, would provide the FDA with $7.1 billion in topline funding. This total includes $3.36 billion in appropriations, with the remainder comprised of industry user fees. Senate appropriators have yet to release their own Agriculture-Rural Development-FDA spending bill, and postponed a markup of the measure, which was originally scheduled for last Thursday, to sometime later this month. Senate appropriators have reportedly not yet reached an agreement on the topline allocations for the bills the committee had planned to mark up.

 

Lawmakers Release Discussion Draft to Establish National AI Framework – Reps. Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.) and Lori Trahan (D-Mass.) have released a discussion draft of legislation to create a federal framework for how the United States governs artificial intelligence (AI). The bill would notably preempt state laws, including those in places like California, New York, and Illinois, which have already acted to establish AI safety regulations. The discussion draft, titled the Great American Artificial Intelligence Act, is intended to solicit feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public before the bill is formally introduced. Under the legislation, large frontier AI developers would be required to publish and follow plans for managing catastrophic risks and reporting serious safety incidents. Third-party verification organizations would be responsible for auditing developers, who would face penalties for noncompliance. The legislation would also require improved federal data collection on the impact of AI on the labor market, invest in AI education and workforce development, and support American-led AI technical standards. The discussion draft text can be found here; a section-by-section summary of the discussion draft can be found here.

 

In related news, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday directing federal agencies to strengthen AI-enabled cybersecurity across government systems. Agencies are further instructed to issue guidance to facilitate access to cybersecurity tools and services for operators of critical infrastructure, including rural hospitals. The order also calls for the establishment of a voluntary framework under which certain AI developers could submit their frontier models for voluntary government review of cybersecurity threats up to 30 days before the products are released to the public.

 

CMS Issues Rulemaking on Medicaid Work Requirements – CMS has released an interim final rule implementing the Medicaid community engagement requirements established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The CMS regulation establishes a nationwide operational framework for ensuring that certain adult Medicaid applicants and enrollees meet an 80 hours per month work requirement through employment, education, work programs, or community service by January 1, 2027. Some Democrats and state officials have asserted that the regulation goes beyond what is mandated by the law, with Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) characterizing the rule as “the dark heart of the Republican plan to kick millions of working Americans and their children off their health insurance by placing a mountain of paperwork in front of them. These barriers are designed to prevent Americans from getting affordable healthcare, while providing a profit bonanza for the corporate consultants who get paid millions to build bureaucratic booby traps.” House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) praised the rulemaking, arguing that “Not only do these requirements protect taxpayers, but they actively help to lift Americans out of poverty and stay connected to their communities.”

 

Collins, Shaheen Encourage Expansion of Diabetes Self-Management Training – Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), co-chairs of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, have sent a letter requesting that CMS act to improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to diabetes self-management services. The lawmakers specifically ask that the agency incorporate the Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act into the 2027 Medicare physician fee schedule proposed rule. The bill would eliminate the one-year limit on the period during which patients with diabetes can receive outpatient self-management training, and require CMS to test the efficacy of virtual diabetes training options.

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing “On Call for America: Strengthening Access Through Locum Tenens Providers;” 10:15 a.m.; June 9

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 11:00 a.m.; June 9

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Lowering Health Care Costs for All Americans: Examining Policies to Increase Health Care Transparency;” 10:15 a.m.; June 10

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization Oversight field hearing “Delivering Quality and Modern Healthcare to Michigan’s Veterans and Servicemembers;” 10:00 a.m.; June 12

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Con.Res.107 – Recognizing the importance of saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary; Sponsor: Min, Dave [Rep.-D-CA-47]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.Res.1325 – Expressing support for May 2026 as “American Stroke Month” and encouraging all to learn the warning signs of stroke, understand their personal risk factors, and take action to improve stroke prevention, response, and recovery in our communities; Sponsor: Beatty, Joyce [Rep.-D-OH-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1327 – Supporting the designation of May 2026 as “Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Escobar, Veronica [Rep.-D-TX-16]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.Res.1329 – Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as “Mental Health Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9048 – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include gluten-containing grain in the definition of a major food allergen; Sponsor: Cleaver, Emanuel [Rep.-D-MO-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9054 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a demonstration program for international coverage under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Espaillat, Adriano [Rep.-D-NY-13]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9058 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to establish a grant program to promote access to automated external defibrillators and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in eligible federally assisted multifamily housing, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Goldman, Daniel S. [Rep.-D-NY-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9061 – To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance to States on which tests for the screening and early detection of preeclampsia may be covered under the Medicaid program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program; Sponsor: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9065 – To provide research on, and services for, individuals with clinical mental health complications following a pregnancy loss, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McDowell, Addison P. [Rep.-R-NC-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9077 – To direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to evaluate hormone variability and hormone testing, respectively, in women with respect to perimenopause; Sponsor: Scholten, Hillary J. [Rep.-D-MI-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9081 – To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to allow health marketplace pools to be deemed an employer under section 3(5) of such Act for purposes of offering a group health plan or group health insurance coverage, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

 

S.Con.Res.34 — A concurrent resolution recognizing the importance of saving lives, reducing gun violence, and strengthening public safety as the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary; Sponsor: Alsobrooks, Angela D. [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4647 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide an income tax credit for eldercare expenses; Sponsor: Klobuchar, Amy [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4658 — A bill to amend title 5, United States Code, to include Parkinson’s disease in the list of illnesses and diseases deemed to be proximately caused by employment in fire protection activities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

H.Res.1331 — Expressing support for the designation of June 1, 2026, through June 7, 2026, as “Hidradenitis Suppurativa Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9089 — To establish the Commission on Sustaining Medicare and Social Security, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bilirakis, Gus M. [Rep.-R-FL-12]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9090 — Advancing Menopause Care and Mid-Life Women’s Health Act; Sponsor: Clarke, Yvette D. [Rep.-D-NY-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9103 — To prohibit Federal research agencies and recipients of Federal research grants from using a prohibited diversity, equity, or inclusion practice with respect to Federal research grants, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Norman, Ralph [Rep.-R-SC-5]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.9107 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to provide that qualified health plans are not required to use a provider network; Sponsor: Rulli, Michael A. [Rep.-R-OH-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9108 — 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

 

S.4675 — A bill to improve benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.1337 — Recognizing the contributions of academic medicine and observing Academic Medicine Week from June 8 through 12, 2026; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9117 — To promote the availability of certain health care information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Langworthy, Nicholas A. [Rep.-R-NY-23]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9126 — HCBS Anti-Fraud Reporting Act of 2026; Sponsor: Latta, Robert E. [Rep.-R-OH-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9127 —To improve benefits for veterans who may have been exposed to toxic substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lee, Susie [Rep.-D-NV-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.Res.1341 — Expressing support for the recognition of June 7, 2026, as “Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.Res.1342 — Expressing support for the designation of June 5, 2026, as “National Gun Violence Awareness Day” and June 2026 as “National Gun Violence Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.9139 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to clarify the intent of Congress with regards to Medicaid financing policies; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9140 —To require the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to improve the transition of medics into the civilian workforce in certain health care occupations and to modify the assistance provided to separated members of the Armed Forces seeking employment with health care providers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dexter, Maxine [Rep.-D-OR-3]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.9149 — To establish the National Diabetes Project, and for other purposes; Sponsor: James, John [Rep.-R-MI-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9150 —To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide coverage for boxing-based exercise classes for veterans diagnosed with certain movement disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9157 —To reform the H-1B process, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.9163 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure that facilities do not lose critical access hospital status as a result of a roadway or transportation infrastructure improvement; Sponsor: Thompson, Bennie G. [Rep.-D-MS-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.9169 — To support polycystic kidney disease research, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [Rep.-D-FL-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

President Signs Executive Order on Vaccines – President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday acknowledging a recent U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) scientific assessment on childhood vaccines as a guiding resource for the federal government.  The assessment compared U.S. childhood immunization recommendations with those of peer nations, analyzed vaccine uptake and public trust, evaluated clinical and epidemiological evidence and knowledge gaps, and examined vaccine mandates. The executive order directs the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review the assessment and take any appropriate steps to update the U.S. childhood and adolescent vaccine schedule, while instructing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to consider ways to provide maximum flexibility to parents and doctors through recommendations for timing and sequencing of the administration of routine immunizations.

 

Independent Dispute Resolution Operations Final Rule Issued – The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury released the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Operations final rule on Thursday, May 28^th. The final rule addresses essentially all the areas the Departments touched in the proposed rule with some modifications. Updates to the IDR framework include requirements that health plans use specific claim adjustment reason codes (CARC)/remittance advice remark codes (RARC) on remittance advice to clearly distinguish whether claims fall under state or federal surprise billing protections; and submit information to the IDR registry to receive an IDR Registry Number that can be used to initiate Open Negotiation and initiate IDR. The Departments did not propose specific ID card changes.

 

OMB Proposes Major Overhaul of Federal Grant Guidance – On Friday, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced proposed revisions to its Guidance for Federal Financial Assistance.  The proposed rule is explained as aiming to strengthen oversight and accountability across federal grants, cooperative agreements, and other forms of assistance. The notice identifies the following goals of the proposed revisions: ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, maintaining compliance with law and policy, and holding recipients accountable for performance. The proposals also emphasize upholding equal opportunity principles throughout the award process and eliminating unlawful discrimination. Additional reforms include clarifying the regulatory status of OMB requirements, streamlining procedures for future updates, and reducing administrative burdens on grant recipients. Critics of the proposed rule argue that the changes are intended to control scientific research by requiring proposals to be consistent with the administration’s priorities, restricting who is eligible for funding, and diminishing the role of scientific peer review. Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 13.

 

Cassidy Continues Healthcare Cybersecurity Investigation – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD has sent a letter to the CEO of Hims & Hers regarding a recent cybersecurity incident threatening the private health data of the company’s customers. Sen. Cassidy asserts that “additional transparency is needed about what information hostile actors accessed, how Hims & Hers safeguarded protected health information prior to the incident, and steps that the company intends to take going forward.” The letter poses a series of questions regarding Hims & Hers’ cybersecurity practices and the data breach that took place earlier this year, requesting a response by June 8.

 

Bipartisan Group Writes Administration on Animal Testing in Federally Funded Research – A bipartisan group of House lawmakers is encouraging the Trump administration to revise regulations related to animal testing within federally funded research. The letter specifically cites the case of Ridglan Farms, a large-scale beagle breeding facility in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, which holds a USDA Class A breeding license despite allegations of animal welfare violations. The lawmakers express support for directing USDA to automatically review a facility’s Class A License eligibility in the event that the operator relinquishes an equivalent state-level commercial breeding license. “We believe this should be a commonsense practice,” the letter states. “If a facility is cited for hundreds of animal welfare violations and forced to surrender state-level licenses, there should be an appropriate federal review process as well to help ensure absolutely no taxpayer dollars continue to prop up an entity that is engaging in inhumane and unethical treatment of animals.”

 

Kennedy Announces Plan to Combat Lyme Disease and Advance Treatment – HHS Secretary Kennedy announced several initiatives this week aimed at addressing Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The department aims to reduce the incidence of new Lyme disease cases by 25 percent by 2035 compared to 2022. Among the newly announced initiatives are a multi-million dollar pilot program led by the CDC to “develop and deploy practical strategies to target and eliminate ticks on wildlife before they can spread disease to humans;” three new LymeX innovation challenges totaling up to $2.5 million in prize funding; and a new Alpha-gal syndrome program with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Alpha-gal program would allow companies to provide promising products that could prevent individuals from developing Alpha-gal following a tick bite to the NIH, which would support and fund clinical research to evaluate the effectiveness of the products. The announcement comes approximately one week after the House Committee on Energy and Commerce voted unanimously to advance H.R. 4348, which would reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act.

 

Texas Primary Runoffs See Incumbent Losses – Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) was defeated by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate Republican runoff election on Tuesday. Cornyn has served in the Senate since 2002, chairing the National Republican Senatorial Committee from 2009 to 2013 and serving as the Senate Republican whip from 2013 to 2019. He is currently a member of the Finance Committee. Paxton had received the endorsement of President Donald Trump in the days leading up to the election.

 

Rep. Julie Johnson (D) was defeated by former Rep. Colin Allred (D) in a runoff race to represent Texas’ newly redrawn 33^rd congressional district. Rep. Johnson has served in the House of Representatives since 2025, succeeding Allred, who unsuccessfully ran for Senate. Johnson is the first openly LGBTQ+ member of Congress from a southern state.

 

Rep. Christian Menefee (D) defeated Rep. Al Green (D) in the runoff race for Texas’ 18^th congressional district. Green has represented Texas’s 9^th congressional district since 2005. The 9^th district was redrawn ahead of this year’s election, prompting Green to enter the race against Menefee, who won a special election in January to serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s term.

 

FL Democrat Frederica Wilson to Retire – Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) has announced that she will not seek reelection this year. Wilson, 83, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010. She currently serves on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. The full House Press Gallery casualty list of members retiring or seeking other office can be found here.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Rules Committee meeting to formulate a rule on H.R. 8646, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agency Appropriations Act, 2027; and other legislation; 4:00 p.m.; June 2

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Protecting Our Children: Exposing the Dangers of Irreversible Gender Transition Procedures on Minors;” 10:00 a.m.; June 3

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade hearing “Examining Legislation to Establish a Federal Comprehensive Privacy and Data Security Law;” 10:15 a.m.; June 3

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing “Plausible Mechanisms of COVID-19 Injections Causing Cancer and Attacks on Scientific Publications;” 2:30 p.m.; June 3

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing to examine the human cost of dangerous foreign drugs; 3:30 p.m.; June 3

 

House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet hearing “Medicines and IP: Balancing Innovation and Access;” 10:00 a.m.; June 4

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 8:00 a.m.; June 5

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 11:00 a.m.; June 9

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.9018 – Fostering Transparency, Understanding, and Support for Veterans Act (Fostering TRUST Act) – To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide to Congress notice of any suicide or attempted suicide of a veteran in a facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs or of a Community Care provider, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Min, Dave [Rep.-D-CA-47]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9015 – To authorize assistance to train and retain obstetrician-gynecologists and sub-specialists in urogynecology and to help improve the quality of care to meet the health care needs of women in least developed countries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.9009 – Firearm Freedom Act – To repeal the Hughes Amendment to the Firearm Owners’ Protection Act; Sponsor: Patronis, Jimmy [Rep.-R-FL-1]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.Res.1323 – Recognizing the impact the stigmatization of menstruation has on the lives of women, girls, and people who menstruate, and expressing support for the designation of the month of May as “National Menstrual Health Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Meng, Grace [Rep.-D-NY-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and WorkforceH.R.9033 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance the sharing of health-care resources between the Department of Veterans Affairs and State Veterans Homes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9040 — To establish fair prices for prescription drugs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sherman, Brad [Rep.-D-CA-32]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Financial Services

 

H.R.9044 — To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the Minority Fellowship Program; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

House Panels Advance Health Legislation – The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a markup of healthcare legislation on Thursday; each of the following bills was advanced unanimously:

• R. 4348, to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act;
• R. 4541, the EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025;
• R. 3747, the Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act;
• R. 8209, the School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act;
• R. 5160, the Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act;
• R. 2001, to amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a grant program for addressing dental workforce needs;
• R. 1493, to reauthorize and make improvements to Federal programs relating to the prevention, detection, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries, and for other purposes;
• R. 3491, the DeOndra Dixon INCLUDE Project Act;
• R. 6238, the NIH IMPROVE Act;
• R. 8205, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act;
• R. 2715, the Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act;
• R. 2821, the FDA Modernization Act 3.0;
• R. 5347, the Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act; and
• R. 1703, the Choices for Increased Mobility Act.

 

The House Ways and Means Committee also advanced healthcare related legislation last week:

• R. 3164, the Main Street Pharmacy Access Act (previously known as the Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act);
• R. 8163, the Provider Reimbursement Stability Act;
• R. 8875, the Improving Home Dialysis Act;
• R. 8883, the Protecting Seniors and Stopping Fraudsters Act; and
• R. 8871, the DME Scammer Prevention Act.

 

The committee had been expected to consider legislation to require nonprofit hospitals to report more details on income, charity care expenditures, advertising, community benefits, and quality improvement, but the bill was reportedly dropped from the markup due to push back from the hospital industry.

 

The House Education and Workforce Committee advanced H.R. 7895, the PMB Kickback Prohibition Act, and H.R. 8684, the Transparency in Bill Act. H.R. 7895 would prohibit pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from paying kickbacks or referral fees to brokers, consultants, advisors, or similar intermediaries in exchange for directing employer health plan or insurer business to the PBM. H.R. 8684 would require hospitals to include a unique national provider identifier when submitting a claim for hospital outpatient department services so payers can determine the setting in which the care was delivered.

 

 

House Committee Leaders Request Explanation of Part D Cost Increase – House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.), and Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) have sent a letter to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) regarding the agency’s recent projection of Medicare Part D expenditures. The letter specifically concerns technical changes in CBO’s Budget and Economic Outlook: 2026 to 2036. “When Democrats passed the so-called Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), CBO projected its Medicare drug provisions would reduce spending by $129 billion. Now, CBO estimates Medicare Part D spending will be $600 billion higher than projected just last year, driven by a 35% increase in per-enrollee costs. Something doesn’t add up,” the letter argues. “We need CBO to provide a clear accounting of this massive increase in projected spending and apparent reversal in their views on the impact of the IRA.”

 

 

Dems Introduce Resolutions to Block WISeR – Democrats in both chambers of Congress have introduced Congressional Review Act resolutions of disapproval to overturn the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center’s Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model. The year-long pilot program, which launched on January 1 in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington, uses artificial intelligence to apply prior authorization for 13 medical services deemed low-value or vulnerable to misuse. Legislators have 60 days to force a vote on the resolution of disapproval to repeal the model. The Senate resolution is led by Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and the House resolution was introduced by Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) and Greg Landsman (D-Ohio).

 

 

Wyden Previews Focus on Strengthening Long-term Care – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) sent a Dear Colleague letter last week previewing Democrats’ focus on expanding and improving home care and nursing home services. “Finance Committee minority staff will develop policies that directly confront the long-term care access and affordability crisis, addressing the misalignment of lacking supply and intense demand for these services,” Sen. Wyden writes. He goes on to highlight community volunteer models, stronger industry oversight, and improved workforce wages, benefits, and training as policy solutions to explore. The letter, which was signed by 16 other Democratic senators, states that the lawmakers will release more details in the coming weeks and months about their specific policy proposals.

 

 

Durbin Urges Kennedy to Oppose Recent Vape Authorizations – Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has written to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding the Trump administration’s recent authorization of flavored vaping products and new guidance to allow unauthorized vapes to remain on the market. Sen. Durbin frames the decisions as contrary to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again agenda and warns that they will jeopardize recent improvements in the national youth smoking rate. “Nothing that we know about e-cigarettes suggests that they will Make America Healthy Again. Quite the opposite, as they continue to perpetuate tobacco use, which remains the number one cause of preventable death in this country,” he writes. “While we may not agree on many issues of public health, it is my sincere hope that we can agree on the importance of protecting children from nicotine addiction.”

 

 

Democratic States Challenge New Graduate Student Loan Limits – A coalition of Democratic-controlled states is suing the Department of Education over a final rule capping federal borrowing limits for graduate students, including healthcare professionals. The regulation in question goes into effect July 1 and would implement the lower graduate school borrowing limits established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law sets a cap of $50,000 annually, or $200,000 total, for professional degree programs, and $20,500 annually, or $100,000 total, for graduate degree programs. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Maryland, argues that the rule does not align with congressional intent and is in violation of the Administration Procedure Act.

 

 

USPSTF Leadership Dismissed – U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has dismissed two vice chairs of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The terminations of Chair John Wong and Deputy Chair Esa Davis were effective immediately; their dismissal letters explained that the action was “administrative in nature” and “not to be understood as a removal based on…leadership or contributions. To the contrary, the Department is taking this step to help protect the Task Force and preserve confidence in the continuity and durability of its work.” USPSTF now has just eight out of 16 sitting members; HHS has not appointed replacements for the five members who saw their terms expire at the beginning of this year. A solicitation for nominations to serve on USPSTF was issued in April with a deadline for submissions of May 23. Given the dismissal of Wong and Davis, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Director Roger Klein will be responsible for selecting the new task force members. While USPSTF usually meets three times a year, HHS has cancelled three of its four scheduled meetings since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term. USPSTF is responsible for determining which preventive medical services are recommended and therefore must be fully covered by insurers, as established by the Affordable Care Act.

 

 

HHS Rescinds Amended ACIP Charter – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has rescinded the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice’s (ACIP) new charter as a result of an administrative error. The charter had recently been amended to broaden the range of expertise for individuals qualified to serve on the committee and may have allowed Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. more flexibility to circumvent a recent federal court decision blocking the ACIP appointments he made between June and January 2025. HHS did not provide the appropriate amount of time for public comment before issuing the new charter in April, and will return ACIP to its original framework for the next two years.

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 8:00 a.m.; June 5

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 11:00 a.m.; June 9

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.8869 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize research on the impacts of traumatic birth experiences and post-traumatic stress disorder on mothers, infants, and families; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8867 – To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and implement a public education initiative on the need for individuals to plan for their long-term care; Sponsor: Suozzi, Thomas R. [Rep.-D-NY-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8865 – To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to exclude providers convicted of certain fraud-related criminal offenses from participation in Federal health care programs on a permanent basis; Sponsor: Stauber, Pete [Rep.-R-MN-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8857 – To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to adjust which engineered cyclic peptides are qualifying single source drugs for purposes of the Drug Price Negotiation Program; Sponsor: Morelle, Joseph D. [Rep.-D-NY-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8852 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health to design and implement a program to study the health effects of nuclear radiation on women; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1297 – Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as “Necrotizing Enterocolitis Awareness Day”. Sponsor: Thompson, Mike [Rep.-D-CA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1295 – Expressing support for the designation of May 17, 2026, as “DIPG Awareness Day” to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) and pediatric cancers in general. Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.4550 — A bill to authorize appropriations for data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4552 — A bill to address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [Sen.-D-NY]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.J.Res.192 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model”; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4566 — A bill to amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage under State plans under the Medicaid program for annual lung cancer screening with no cost sharing for individuals for whom screening is recommended by U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines, to expand coverage under Medicaid of counseling and pharmacotherapy for cessation of tobacco use, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4568 — A bill to amend the definition of professional student in the Higher Education Act of 1965; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.J.Res.187 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the Department of Health and Human Services relating to “Medicare Program; Implementation of Prior Authorization for Select Services for the Wasteful and Inappropriate Services Reduction (WISeR) Model”; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8871 — DME Scammer Prevention Act of 2026; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8875 — Improving Home Dialysis Act of 2026; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8883 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for additional oversight of hospice programs and home health agencies under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8890 — To amend the Public Health Services Act, commonly referred to as the “Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments” or “CLIA”, with respect to laboratory developed tests, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8891 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to exclude certain beds from counting as acute care inpatient beds for critical access hospitals under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Feenstra, Randy [Rep.-R-IA-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.8907 — To direct the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to implement the Perinatal Care Alternative Payment Model Demonstration Project to test various payment models with respect to maternity care provided to pregnant and postpartum individuals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schakowsky, Janice D. [Rep.-D-IL-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8908 — To amend subsection (q) of section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to clarify the process for denying certain petitions whose primary purpose is to delay the approval of an application submitted under subsection (b)(2) or (j) of such section 505, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sorensen, Eric [Rep.-D-IL-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.743 — A resolution supporting the designation of May 3 through May 9, 2026, as “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Husted, Jon [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

S.Res.744 — A resolution expressing support for designation of the month of May 2026 as “Osteoporosis Prevention and Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.Res.746 — A resolution designating May 2026 as “National Brain Tumor Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Daines, Steve [Sen.-R-MT]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4582 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to the designation of general surgery shortage areas, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schatz, Brian [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4583 —A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare payment option for patients and eligible professionals to freely contract, without penalty, for Medicare fee-for-service items and services, while allowing Medicare beneficiaries to use their Medicare benefits; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4587 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include dietary supplements as qualified medical expenses; Sponsor: Cramer, Kevin [Sen.-R-ND]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4612 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a public awareness campaign with respect to screening for type 1 diabetes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.8916 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to jointly award grants for the purposes of improving access to, developing, or expanding services that provide an individual with transportation to or from substance use disorder treatment or supportive services; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Financial Services

 

H.R.8923 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a 2-year demonstration program for hospitals to provide outpatient observation services to Medicare beneficiaries at home; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8930 — To assess the biotechnology workforce needs of certain Federal agencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Khanna, Ro [Rep.-D-CA-17]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.8933 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include dietary supplements as qualified medical expenses; Sponsor: LaHood, Darin [Rep.-R-IL-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.8938 — To direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out activities to support biotechnology workforce pathways and alignment with Federal research investments, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.8939 — To direct the Director of the National Institutes of Health to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on the development of a standardized, noninvasive test for HPV in men, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McIver, LaMonica [Rep.-D-NJ-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8942 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals receiving payment for direct graduate medical education costs under the Medicare program to report information with respect to the citizenship status of residents in an approved medical residency training program; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8943 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit payments for graduate medical education costs attributable to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the United States under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Steube, W. Gregory [Rep.-R-FL-17]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1310 — Expressing support for continued efforts to safeguard Medicare, Medicaid, and other Federal health care programs from fraud, waste, abuse, and improper payments through strengthened program integrity measures, enhanced oversight, and coordinated enforcement actions, and recognizing the work of the Trump administration and congressional Republicans to investigate and prosecute fraud and protect taxpayer dollars and preserve the long-term sustainability of the Nation’s health care safety net; Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.Res.1311 — Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as “Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Harder, Josh [Rep.-D-CA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1318 — Expressing support for the designation of the month of May 2026 as “Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Subramanyam, Suhas [Rep.-D-VA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.J.Res.189 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Education relating to “Reimagining and Improving Student Education-Federal Student Loan Program Final Regulations”; Sponsor: Bonamici, Suzanne [Rep.-D-OR-1]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8961 — To amend title V of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a public awareness campaign for schools regarding youth suicide prevention resources, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Carter, Troy A. [Rep.-D-LA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8967 — To provide for an extension of the rural community hospital demonstration program; Sponsor: Feenstra, Randy [Rep.-R-IA-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.8978 — To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to promote comprehensive campus mental health and suicide prevention plans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mannion, John W. [Rep.-D-NY-22]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8979 — To effectively staff the high-need public elementary schools and secondary schools of the United States with school-based mental health services providers; Sponsor: Mannion, John W. [Rep.-D-NY-22]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8981 — To establish in the National Institute of Standards and Technology a program of measurement research for engineering biology, biomanufacturing, and biometrology, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McClain Delaney, April [Rep.-D-MD-6]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.8986 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow for the designation of certain facilities as critical access hospitals under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Newhouse, Dan [Rep.-R-WA-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.8989 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out demonstration programs to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based strategies to prevent suicide among children and adolescents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pettersen, Brittany [Rep.-D-CO-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9000 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a public awareness campaign with respect to screening for type 1 diabetes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schrier, Kim [Rep.-D-WA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.9001 — 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: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.9002 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to extend the Quality Payment Program-Small Practice, Underserved, and Rural Support program; Sponsor: Stansbury, Melanie A. [Rep.-D-NM-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.9005 — To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to make temporary zero-percent interest loans under the community facilities direct loan program to construct or renovate certain rural hospitals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tokuda, Jill N. [Rep.-D-HI-2]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

S.4641 – Count a period of receipt of outpatient observation services in a hospital toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M.; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4640 – Award grants to eligible crisis centers to provide follow-up services to individuals receiving suicide prevention and crisis intervention services and improve the accessibility of 9-8-8; Sponsor: Padilla, Alex; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4637 – Increase by 5 the number of flex waivers available in each State for J-1 nonimmigrants and establish a secondary physician match portal to assist alien physicians; Sponsor: Cramer, Kevin; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4626 – Direct the Secretary of Defense to publish a list of dietary supplement ingredients prohibited for use by members of the Armed Forces; Sponsor: Lee, Mike; Committees: Senate – Armed Services

 

S.4624 – Provide for payment for services of radiologist assistants under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Boozman, John; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4622 – Prohibit the inclusion of medical debt on a consumer report; Sponsor: Kennedy, John; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.4618 – Effectively staff the high-need public elementary schools and secondary schools of the United States with school-based mental health services providers; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.752 – Express support for the designation of the month of May 2026 as “Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Degeneration Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.751 – Designate May 2026 as “ALS Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Coons, Christopher A.; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

Public Health Bills Advanced by E&C Health Subcommittee – The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health advanced 10 public health and reauthorization bills on Wednesday. Each was reported to the full committee by a voice vote.

• R. 4348, to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act
• R. 4541, EARLY Act Reauthorization of 2025
• R. 3747, Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act
• R. 8209, School-Based Health Centers Reauthorization Act
• R. 5160, Stem Cell Therapeutic and Research Reauthorization Act
• R. 8205, Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Reauthorization Act
• R. 2715, Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act
• R. 2821, FDA Modernization Act 3.0.
• R. 5347, Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act
• R. 1703, Choices for Increased Mobility Act

 

Scott, Gillibrand Press GPOs on Import Ban Exemptions – Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are requesting information from group purchasing organizations (GPOs) and distributors about vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical supply chain. The inquiry relates to the purchase and distribution of drugs from facilities that operate under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) import ban exemptions. The lawmakers request information on what GPOs and distributors share with buyers, what access they have to FDA inspection records, and whether healthcare systems have adequate transparency into the drugs they purchase.

 

House Oversight Launches New Fraud Task Force – The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has launched a new Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses. The body will be chaired by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas), and began its work by sending a letter to Ohio’s Medicaid director regarding alleged fraud in the state’s Medicaid waiver program. The Task Force is specifically investigating waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicaid personal care services authorized by home and community-based services waivers.

 

Data Breach Impacts Congressional Office of the Attending Physician – Members of Congress have been informed of a data breach at the congressional medical office that may have compromised personal information, including prescription history. The event occurred in early March and targeted RXNT, a medical software provider used by the Office of the Attending Physician on Capitol Hill. It remains unclear who is responsible for the breach.

 

Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD Loses Bid for Reelection – Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD was defeated in the Louisiana GOP Senate primary on Saturday. Sen. Cassidy came in third, finishing behind Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) and state Treasurer John Fleming, MD. Letlow and Fleming will advance to a primary runoff. Cassidy, a gastroenterologist, has served in the Senate since 2015 and currently chairs the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. His position atop the HELP Committee and as a member of the Finance Committee is particularly notable given the growing number of vacancies at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, including the Senate confirmed positions of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director, commissioner of Food and Drugs, and surgeon general. Cassidy is the first senator of either party to lose in a primary since 2012.

 

FDA Commissioner Makary Steps Down – Dr. Marty Makary resigned from his post as commissioner of Food and Drugs on Tuesday. His resignation follows weeks of speculation about his status within the Trump administration. Makary’s tenure at the FDA has been marked by high employee turnover, including the departure of many of the agency’s division leaders. Conservatives on Capitol Hill have accused the commissioner of slow walking a review of mifepristone safety data, while he has also faced criticism from industry regarding the scientific drug review process perceived as being inconsistent and politicized. The former commissioner had been scheduled to appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee last week to testify about the FDA’s fiscal year 2027 budget request, but the hearing was canceled and will now be held on a later date.

 

Deputy Commissioner for Food Kyle Diamantas has been tapped to serve as acting commissioner. Prior to joining the FDA, Diamantas had a career as a corporate lawyer. This is the first time a lawyer will be at the helm of the agency, and only the second time the leader of the Human Foods Program has been put in charge. Longtime FDA official Donald Prater will cover Diamantas’ former role in an acting capacity, stepping up from his current position as the program’s principal deputy associate commissioner. Federal officials have stated that the search for a permanent FDA commissioner is already underway.

 

Top HHS Spokesman Resigns Over Flavored Vape Authorization – Rich Danker, assistant secretary for public affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, resigned last week in protest of the Trump administration’s recent authorization of flavored vaping products. In his resignation letter, Danker warned that the decision would expose children to nicotine addiction and increase risks of lung damage, including cancer. The authorization of flavored vape products also played a role in former Food and Drug Administration commissioner Marty Makary’s recent exit from the administration; Makary had faced pressure from the White House in recent weeks to move forward with the authorization despite his own concerns.

 

Supreme Court Maintains Access to Mifepristone Amidst Litigation – The Supreme Court has acted to maintain mail order access to mifepristone, extending the temporary block on a lower court ruling that would have reversed the Biden-era removal of in-person dispensing requirements for the abortion drug. The decision preserves access to mifepristone via telehealth while litigation continues. Louisiana sued the Trump administration late last year over the situation, asserting that it allows the drug to be mailed into the state, thus circumventing the state’s abortion restrictions.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions hearing “Bad Medicine: Politics, Unions, and Antisemitism in Health Care;” 10:15 a.m.; May 20

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee legislative hearing including the Dental Care for Veterans Act (H.R. 210), the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act of 2025 (H.R. 3183), and Discussion Draft – To provide for the modernization of the electronic health record system and other health information technology activities and systems of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; 10:15 a.m.; May 20

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing “Examining the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, MACRA, and Opportunities for Payment Reforms;” 2:00 p.m.; May 20

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Preventing Falls, Preserving Independence: Technology, Community Programs, and Innovation in Senior Safety;” 3:30 p.m.; May 20

 

Senate HELP Committee hearing “Protecting Our Children: Exposing the Dangers of Irreversible Gender Transition Procedures on Minors;” 10:00 a.m.; May 21

 

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the National Institutes of Health;” 10:00 a.m.; May 21

 

House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs legislative hearing including Indian Health Service Emergency Claims Parity Act (H.R. 8658); 2:00 p.m.; May 21

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 8:00 a.m.; June 5

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 11:00 a.m.; June 9

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.4480 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on coverage under the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act of certain pelvic health services furnished during the postpartum period, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4481 — A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project to allow States to test payment models for maternity care provided to pregnant and postpartum individuals under the Medicaid and CHIP programs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4482 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals to develop discharge plans for pregnant individuals as a condition of participation under Medicare, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.1271 — Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as “Arthritis Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8726 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to allow States to enforce Medicare Advantage plan requirements; Sponsor: Downing, Troy [Rep.-R-MT-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8729 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require that diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations are furnished without cost sharing under the Medicaid program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8734 — To express the Sense of Congress with respect to safety of medication abortion and Federal preemption of State restrictions on dispensing medication abortion, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ryan, Patrick [Rep.-D-NY-18]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.4491 — A bill to enhance diplomatic engagement on international biotechnology and biosecurity matters; Sponsor: Sheehy, Tim [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.4494 — A bill to prioritize funding for an expanded and sustained national investment in biomedical research; Sponsor: Durbin, Richard J. [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Appropriations

 

S.4503 — A bill to improve menopause care and mid-life women’s health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.8737 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to expand access to the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs to include certain veterans seeking mental health or substance-use services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Patronis, Jimmy [Rep.-R-FL-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.8743 — To direct the Surgeon General of the Public Health Service to develop recommendations for screen time limits for children to promote healthy development and well-being, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Deluzio, Christopher R. [Rep.-D-PA-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8749 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide coverage of medically necessary home resiliency services under Medicare; Sponsor: Frost, Maxwell [Rep.-D-FL-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8763 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish stellate ganglion block to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Perry, Scott [Rep.-R-PA-10]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.8764 — To direct the Secretary of Defense to furnish stellate ganglion block to members of the Armed Forces with post-traumatic stress disorder, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Perry, Scott [Rep.-R-PA-10]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.8765 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require reports on primary care spending under Federal health care programs and to establish a working group on primary care; Sponsor: Rouzer, David [Rep.-R-NC-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Oversight and Government Reform

 

S.Res.727 — A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2026, as “Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day” to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; Sponsor: Fischer, Deb [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4507 —  A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals and freestanding birth centers to notify each mother of a miscarried fetus of her rights with respect to such fetus, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4509 —  A bill to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies from being under common ownership, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.4512 – A bill to provide for appropriate cost-sharing for insulin products covered under private health plans, and to establish a program to support health care providers and pharmacies in providing discounted insulin products to uninsured individuals; Sponsor: Kennedy, John [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4514 — A bill to provide funding to the Bureau of Prisons, States, and localities to carry out mental health screenings and provide referrals to mental health care providers for certain corrections officers; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.Res.1279 — Supporting the designation of the month of May as “Lyme and Tick-borne Disease Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Smith, Christopher H. [Rep.-R-NJ-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1282 — Recognizing the 75th anniversary of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and its critical role in advancing the practice of obstetrics and gynecology and the health and well-being of patients through excellence in clinical practice, education, advocacy, and research; Sponsor: Morrison, Kelly [Rep.-D-MN-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8776 — To require a report by the Attorney General on effective strategies and best practices to reduce stigma related to mental health among law enforcement officers; Sponsor: Gillen, Laura [Rep.-D-NY-4]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.8779 — To prohibit pharmacy benefit managers and pharmacies from being under common ownership, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.8784 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require hospitals and freestanding birth centers to notify each mother of a miscarried fetus of her rights with respect to such fetus, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8793 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a list of covered providers that complete annual training on the prevention of suicide among veterans and to make such list available to veterans; Sponsor: Huizenga, Bill [Rep.-R-MI-4]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.8794 — To provide for increased research and initiatives related to bleeding disorders in underserved populations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Johnson, Julie [Rep.-D-TX-32]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8804 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enter into contracts with recovery audit contractors to perform prepayment reviews under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.732 — A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that over 25 years of real-world evidence and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies proving that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.736 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Hospital Week, to be observed from May 10 through May 16, 2026; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4525 — A bill to prohibit certain federally funded research collaborations with certain foreign entities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.4540 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to improve reproductive health care of individuals with disabilities; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4545 — A bill to amend the America COMPETES Act to establish certain scientific integrity policies for Federal agencies that fund, conduct, or oversee scientific research, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schatz, Brian [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.4546 — A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a national-interest standard for immigration, end certain family-sponsored immigration categories, revise standards relating to good moral character, eliminate the diversity immigrant category, revise public-charge and sponsor-support rules, revise naturalization requirements, reform employment-based immigration and H-1B visas, eliminate Optional Practical Training absent express statutory authorization, revise asylum procedures, require employment eligibility verification, establish additional penalties relating to unlawful presence and visa overstays, revise parole authority, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tuberville, Tommy [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

H.Res.1285 — Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that over 25 years of real-world evidence and hundreds of peer-reviewed studies proving that mifepristone is safe and effective should be respected, and law and policy governing access to lifesaving, time-sensitive medication abortion care in the United States should be equitable, transparent, and based on the best available peer-reviewed evidence-based science; Sponsor: DeGette, Diana [Rep.-D-CO-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1287 — Recognizing stroke as a national health crisis requiring immediate, coordinated Federal action, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Latimer, George [Rep.-D-NY-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1290 — Recognizing the significant and often overlooked behavioral health needs experienced by individuals and families affected by rare diseases, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1292 — To acknowledge the Black Women Best framework to empower and improve life for all through guaranteed income, expanding child and income tax credit, increasing access to equitable health care and government assistance, prohibiting policing in schools, and prioritizing restorative justice; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.8807 — To authorize appropriations for data collection, surveillance, and research on maternal health outcomes during public health emergencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8811 — To address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Clarke, Yvette D. [Rep.-D-NY-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8823 — To amend the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act to allow the Secretary of Labor to suspend payments to medical providers who have been convicted of fraud; Sponsor: Mackenzie, Ryan [Rep.-R-PA-7]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8827 — To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to establish a national-interest standard for immigration, end certain family-sponsored immigration categories, revise standards relating to good moral character, eliminate the diversity immigrant category, revise public-charge and sponsor-support rules, revise naturalization requirements, reform employment-based immigration and H-1B visas, eliminate Optional Practical Training absent express statutory authorization, revise asylum procedures, require employment eligibility verification, establish additional penalties relating to unlawful presence and visa overstays, revise parole authority, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ogles, Andrew [Rep.-R-TN-5]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8829 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve reproductive health care of individuals with disabilities; Sponsor: Pressley, Ayanna [Rep.-D-MA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8839 — To address the health of cancer survivors and unmet needs that survivors face through the entire continuum of care from diagnosis through active treatment and posttreatment, in order to improve survivorship, treatment, transition to recovery and beyond, quality of life and palliative care, and long-term health outcomes, including by developing a minimum standard of care for cancer survivorship, irrespective of the type of cancer, a survivor’s background, or forthcoming survivorship needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [Rep.-D-FL-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8840 — To address the high costs of health care services, prescription drugs, and health insurance coverage in the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Westerman, Bruce [Rep.-R-AR-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce; Judiciary; Oversight and Government Reform; Rules; Budget; Armed Services; House Administration

 

Appropriators Urge State Department to Restore GAVI Funding – A bipartisan group of Senate appropriators is urging the Department of State to restore $600 million in funding for GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. GAVI is a global health partnership whose mission is to increase access to vaccines in developing countries. The lawmakers express concern about the Trump administration’s withholding of congressionally appropriated money representing approximately 15% of GAVI’s funding. The $600 million will expire at the end of the fiscal year on September 30 if it is not released by the administration. “GAVI plays a critical role in averting the spread of preventable diseases around the globe and helps protect public health in our country by stopping outbreaks before they reach our borders,” the letter states. “Congressional support for GAVI endures because of its proven success as a public-private partnership, immunizing more than 1.1 billion children – and in turn preventing 20.6 million deaths – since its inception in 2000,” the lawmakers assert. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized GAVI for using immunizations with ingredients like thimerosol, which Kennedy believes is likely to cause autism. GAVI has responded that the preservative is safe and necessary in countries that lack the refrigeration resources necessary to prevent bacterial contamination of the vaccines. The letter was signed by Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chair of the Appropriations Committee, Vice Chair Patty Murray (D-Wash.), and committee members Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

 

Republicans Ask Court to Reinstate Abortion Pill Restrictions – More than 100 Republican members of Congress are urging the Supreme Court to block mail order access to mifepristone. The Republican amicus brief was submitted in support of Louisiana’s case seeking reverse the Biden-era removal of in-person dispensing requirements for the abortion drug. “By expressly authorizing mail-order chemical abortion drugs, the Food and Drug Administration is endangering women’s health and safety by eliminating a medically necessary in-person examination to screen for contraindications,” the lawmakers argue in their filing. Louisiana sued the Trump administration late last year over the situation, asserting that it allows the drug to be mailed into the state, thus circumventing the state’s abortion restrictions.

 

WSJ Reports on Possible Ousting of FDA Commissioner Makary – It was reported by the Wall Street Journal on Friday that President Donald Trump plans to fire Commissioner of Food and Drugs Marty Makary, MD. Makary’s tenure at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been marked by high employee turnover, including the departure of many of the agency’s division leaders. Conservatives on Capitol Hill have accused the commissioner of slow walking a review of mifepristone safety data, while he has also faced criticism from industry regarding the scientific drug review process perceived as being inconsistent and politicized. It remains unclear if or when Makary will officially depart the FDA. The White House is reportedly thinking of naming Deputy Commissioner for Food Kyle Diamantas to the position of acting FDA commissioner, while former FDA commissioner Stephen Hahn and former acting commissioner Brett Giroir are under consideration for the actual nomination.

 

USPSTF to Meet in July – The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) will meet in July, according to remarks by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) chief counselor Chris Klomp last week. USPSTF is responsible for determining which preventive medical services are recommended and therefore must be fully covered by insurers, as established by the Affordable Care Act. HHS recently issued a request for nominations to serve on USPSTF, with a submission deadline of May 23. While USPSTF usually meets three times a year, HHS has cancelled three of its four scheduled meetings since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

 

Democrats Push for Release of Complete PEPFAR Data – Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) have sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the withholding of 2025 data on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Sen. Shaheen and Rep. Meeks are the ranking members of their respective chamber’s Foreign Affairs committees. The State Department typically releases quarterly updates about PEPFAR’s performance, but since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in office the administration has only released PEPFAR data covering the last quarter of 2025. “The failure to maintain accurate data was an entirely avoidable outcome of the administration’s chaotic decision to disrupt essential work without a plan to sustain basic oversight and accountability mechanisms,” the letter argues. “These failures are not an excuse to avoid releasing available data to the public in accordance with the standing expectations for transparency of the PEPFAR program and existing statute, and we ask that data from the first three quarters of fiscal year 2025 be released publicly,” the lawmakers request. In a response to POLITICO, the State Department said that future data releases “will reflect globally recognized best practices by strengthening country-owned surveillance and reporting, advancing self-reliance, establishing high-quality data, and ensuring U.S. resources are deployed effectively so that each dollar of foreign assistance can have the greatest possible impact.”

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing “Whistleblower Testimony on the COVID Coverup;” 10:00 a.m.; May 13

 

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies hearing “A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the United States Food and Drug Administration;” 10:30 a.m.; May 13

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Caught in the Middle: Supporting Families in the Sandwich Generation;” 3:30 p.m.; May 13

 

Senate Judiciary Committee executive business meeting to consider legislation including S. 825, Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2025; 10:15 a.m.; May 14

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee markup including the Recognizing Community Organizations for Veteran Engagement and Recovery Act (H.R. 2283) and Veteran Opioid Emergency Treatment Act (H.R. 5999); 2:00 p.m.; May 14

 

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 8:00 a.m.; June 5

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of FY27 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill; 11:00 a.m.; June 9

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.1256 — Expressing support for the designation of May 6, 2026, as “National Maternal Mental Health Awareness Day” and prioritizing the goals and ideals of raising awareness and understanding of maternal mental health conditions; Sponsor: Letlow, Julia [Rep.-R-LA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1258 — Expressing support for the designation of May 2026 as “National Brain Tumor Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Quigley, Mike [Rep.-D-IL-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8650 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to increase payments to States with respect to outreach and enrollment under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Carter, Troy A. [Rep.-D-LA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8651 — Advancing Safe Medications for Moms and Babies Act of 2026; Sponsor: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8657 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to enhance programs for youth suicide prevention and intervention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Houchin, Erin [Rep.-R-IN-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8658 — To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to modify the notification requirement for emergency contract health services for certain beneficiaries, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kennedy, Mike [Rep.-R-UT-3]; Committees: House – Natural Resources; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8659 — To amend the definition of a professional student in the Higher Education Act of 1965; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8662 — To provide assisted living assistance through Medicaid and low-income housing tax credit; Sponsor: Miller, Max L. [Rep.-R-OH-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1260 — Supporting the designation of May 10, 2026, as “National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day”; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1264 — Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Nurses Week”, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026; Sponsor: Joyce, David P. [Rep.-R-OH-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1265 — Expressing support for the designation of the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Peters, Scott H. [Rep.-D-CA-50]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1268 — Recognizing the week of May 3, 2026, through May 9, 2026, as “National Postpartum Awareness Week for Communities of Color”; Sponsor: Tlaib, Rashida [Rep.-D-MI-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1270 — Expressing support for the designation of July 15, 2026, as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Williams, Roger [Rep.-R-TX-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8667 — To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to set the maximum cost-sharing amount paid by an eligible covered beneficiary under the TRICARE program and a veteran for such selected drug, as established under the Social Security Act, and the maximum price of a selected drug procured by Federal agencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.R.8679 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to transmit a veteran’s history of opioid prescriptions to a Community Care health care provider; Sponsor: Collins, Mike [Rep.-R-GA-10]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.8684 — To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to require group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group health insurance coverage to only pay claims submitted by hospitals that have in place policies and procedures to ensure accurate billing practices, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Foxx, Virginia [Rep.-R-NC-5]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8687 — To amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide for escalating civil penalties for fraudulent or negligent importation of unauthorized electronic nicotine delivery systems; Sponsor: Hinson, Ashley [Rep.-R-IA-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.8690 — To address the health needs of incarcerated women related to pregnancy and childbirth, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [Rep.-D-CA-37]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Budget; Homeland Security

 

H.R.8691 — To amend the definition of a professional student in the Higher Education Act of 1965; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A. [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8716 — To amend titles XIX and XXI of the Social Security Act, title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require coverage of self-measured blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum individuals; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce