The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advanced its fiscal year 2024 spending bill by voice vote last week. The bill would provide $6.6 billion in funding for the FDA, less than the $7.2 billion requested in the President’s budget. It includes provisions to block the FDA from allowing mail-order access to mifepristone and from banning menthol or setting a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes. The measure was criticized by panel Democrats who indicated plans to offer numerous amendments during the full committee markup, which is scheduled for May 24.

 

E&C Health Subcommittee Advances 17 Health Bills

The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health advanced 17billslast week, including legislation to overhaul the nation’s organ donation system, mandate additional reporting in the 340B program, reform pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices, and permit value-based purchasing agreements in state Medicaid programs. The panel advanced the following bills to the full committee:

• • H.R. 3281, theTransparent PRICE Actwhich was amended to include the following bills:
    • H.R. 3237, to require each outpatient department of a provider to include a unique identification number on claims for services, and to require hospitals with an outpatient department of a provider to submit to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services an attestation with respect to each outpatient department
    • H.R. 3262, to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to increase transparency of certain health-related ownership information
    • H.R. 3248, theDiagnostic Lab Testing Transparency Act
    • H.R. 3282, thePromoting Transparency and Healthy Competition in Medicare Act
    • H.R. 2679, thePBM Accountability Act
    • H.R. 2559, theStrengthening Community Care Act of 2023
    • H.R. 2550, theSpecial Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023
    • H.R. 2547, theSpecial Diabetes Program for Indians Reauthorization Act of 2023
    • H.R. 2665, theSupporting Safety Net Hospitals Act
    • H.R. 1613, theDrug Price Transparency in Medicaid Act of 2023
  • H.R. 1418, theAnimal Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023
  • H.R. 2544, theSecuring the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network Act
  • H.R. 2666, theMedicaid VBPs for Patients (MVP) Act
  • H.R. 3285, theFairness for Patient Medications Act
  • H.R. 3284, theProviders and Payers COMPETE Act
  • H.R. 3290, to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to ensure transparency and oversight of the 340B drug

discount program

 

Sanders Drafting $200 Billion Health Package

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) plans to propose a nearly $200 billion health care package that includes $130 billion in funding for community health centers and $60 billion to strengthen the health care workforce. While the HELP Committee has been working on a bipartisan basis on several health care related issues, Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.) indicated that the total amount of funding included in the Chairman’s plan may be too steep to garner Republican support. Funding for community health centers will expire on September 30th if the program is not reauthorized before the end of the fiscal year. In the House of Representatives, leadership has reached an agreement to increase money for community health centers by approximately 5% over two years – a small fraction of the amount that has been proposed by Sanders.

 

Lawmakers Press MA Insurers on Claims Denials

Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee have sent aletterto the CEO of The Cigna Group requesting an explanation of how the insurance company uses an automated system to deny medical claims without reading them. The request is in response to an investigative report by ProPublica focusing on Cigna’s procedure-to- diagnosis (PXDX) review process. The lawmakers highlight that 80% of Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage denials were overturned, suggesting that Cigna’s PXDX review process is leading to patients paying out-of-pocket for medical care that should be covered under their insurance policy contract. Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), and Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) ask Cigna to provide documents related to the PXDX process.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) is conducting its own investigation into the frequency of MA claims denials and the role that artificial intelligence (AI) plays in coverage determinations. The panel sent letters to the three largest MA insurers – Humana, United Healthcare, and CVS – asking for data on their number of prior authorization requests and denials since 2019. The lawmakers also ask for information about the use of software algorithms to deny prior authorization requests. HSGAC’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations also convened a hearing last week to consider the subject of health care denials and delays in the MA program.

 

NIH Nominee to Face Questions on Drug Pricing, EcoHealth Grants

President Joe Biden announced the nomination of National Cancer Institute Director Monica Bertagnolli to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Bertagnolli’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation. While there is not yet a timeline for consideration of her nomination, Senate HELP Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)wrotePresident Biden last month to say that he “will strongly oppose any future nominee to a major federal health agency who is not prepared to significantly lower the price of prescription drugs in this country.” Republicans, including Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-La.), are expected to discuss with Bertagnolli the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and NIH grants to EcoHealth Alliance.

 

Scott Files Paperwork to Run for President

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to enter the 2024 presidential race. He is expected to formally launch his campaign on Monday. The GOP field currently includes former President Donald Trump, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and conservative radio host Larry Elder. Scott has served in the Senate since 2013 and is currently a member of the Finance Committee, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Special Committee on Aging. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is expected to announce his plan to run for president mid-week.

 

GAO Releases New Report on Noncompete Agreements

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released a newreportdetailing its investigation into non-compete agreements, including those in the health care and social assistance employment sector. The GAO found that 57% of health care and social assistance employers surveyed require new hires to sign agreements restricting them from taking jobs with rival companies. The report was requested by Sens. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Christopher Murphy (D-Conn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

 

ARPA-H Announces Inaugural Program

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced the launch of its first program last week. The Novel Innovations for Tissue Regeneration in Osteoarthritis (NITRO) aims to develop breakthroughs that would allow the human body to repair its owns joints. Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. It impacts more than 32 million Americans and costs an estimated $136 billion per year. Research teams interested in in NITRO can find more information about a Proposers’ Dayhere.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing “The Role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers in Prescription Drug Markets Part I: Self-Interest or Health Care?” 10:00 a.m.; May 23

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing “COVID-19 Supplemental Funding: Did It Protect and Improve Veteran Care?” 10:00 a.m.; May 23

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing “VA Information Technology Contracting: Challenges in Consolidation of Competition and Conflict of Interest;” 8:00 a.m.; May 24

 

House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs hearing “Consumer Choice on the Backburner: Examining the Biden Administration’s Regulatory Assault on Americans’ Gas Stoves;” 10:00 a.m.; May 24

 

House Appropriations Committee markup of fiscal year 2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill; 10:00 a.m.; May 24

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade hearing “Modernizing Customs Policies to Protect American Workers and Secure Supply Chains;” 9:00 a.m.; May 25

 

House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation field hearing “Advances in AI: Views from Silicon Valley;” 10:00 a.m.; June 1

 

POLICY BRIEFINGS

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.1592 – A bill to clarify coverage of occupational therapy under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1594 – A bill to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to convene a task force to develop strategies and coordinate efforts to eliminate preventable maternal mortality, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1595 – A bill to prohibit taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1597 – A bill to amend chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1598 – A bill to clarify and improve accountability for certain members of the Armed Forces during consideration for medical separation in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System of the Department of Defense, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Armed Services

 

S.1599 – A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for grants to promote representative community engagement in maternal mortality review committees, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1601 – A bill to protect moms and babies against climate change, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1602 – A bill to provide for grants 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.1603 – A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase vaccination rates of pregnant and postpartum individuals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1605 – 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.1606 – A bill to end preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities in the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.404 – Expressing support for the designation of May 15, 2023, as “Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day” to raise awareness of and promote research on the disorder; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3281 – To promote hospital and insurer price transparency; Sponsor: McMorris Rodgers, Cathy [Rep.-R-WA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3282 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to promote transparency of common ownership interests under parts C and D of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3284 – To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to submit an annual report on the impact of certain Medicare regulations on provider and payer consolidation; Sponsor: Burgess, Michael C. [Rep.-R-TX-26]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3285 – To establish patient protections with respect to highly rebated drugs; Sponsor: Griffith, H. Morgan [Rep.-R- VA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3290 – To amend title III of the Public Health Service Act to ensure transparency and oversight of the 340B drug discount program; Sponsor: Bucshon, Larry [Rep.-R-IN-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3302 – To protect Moms and babies against climate change, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3303 – To provide support for programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to the coordination of maternity health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.3304 -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.3305 – To end preventable maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities in the United States, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; Veterans’ Affairs; Natural Resources; Judiciary

 

H.R.3310 – To end preventable maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the United States and close disparities in maternal health outcomes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Adams, Alma S. [Rep.-D-NC-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3312 – To address maternal mental health conditions and substance use disorders, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blunt Rochester, Lisa [Rep.-D-DE-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3320 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to improve maternal health data collection processes and quality measures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Davids, Sharice [Rep.-D-KS-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources

 

H.R.3322 – To address social determinants of maternal health to eliminate maternal mortality, severe maternal morbidity, and maternal health disparities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hayes, Jahana [Rep.-D-CT-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3328 – To amend chapter 110 of title 18, United States Code, to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: LaMalfa, Doug [Rep.-R-CA-1]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.3329 – To prohibit taxpayer-funded gender transition procedures, and for other purposes; Sponsor: LaMalfa, Doug [Rep.-R-CA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3346 – 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.3347 – To prohibit the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from replacing physician anesthesiologists with certified registered nurse anesthetists under the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, David [Rep.-D-GA-13]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.3348 – To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to maternal vaccination awareness and equity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sewell, Terri A. [Rep.-D-AL-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3352 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat diapers as qualified medical expenses; and to prohibit States and local governments to impose a tax on the retail sale of diapers; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D- NJ-12]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Judiciary

 

S.1607 – A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit a private cause of action for damages in the case of a group health plan which fails to provide for primary payment or appropriate reimbursement; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1610 – A bill to authorize administrative absences and travel and transportation allowances for members of the Armed Forces to travel and obtain reproductive health care; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Armed Services

 

S.1612 – A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a rule to implement the requirement that the Secretary be permitted to waive the limitation in law on reimbursement of veterans receiving domiciliary care in State homes; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1621 – A bill to provide for an exemption from authorized strength limitations for licensed behavioral health providers; Sponsor: Ossoff, Jon [Sen.-D-GA]; Committees: Senate – Armed Services

 

S.1624 – A bill to require certain civil penalties to be transferred to a fund through which amounts are made available for the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program at the National Institutes of Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kaine, Tim [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1627 – A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a tax credit for nurse preceptors; Sponsor: Kelly, Mark [Sen.-D-AZ]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.3355 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize a loan repayment program for the substance use disorder treatment workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rogers, Harold [Rep.-R-KY-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3368 – To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish a rule to implement the requirement that the Secretary be permitted to waive the limitation in law on reimbursement of veterans receiving domiciliary care in State homes; Sponsor: Golden, Jared F. [Rep.-D-ME-2]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.3373 – To direct the Secretary of the Navy to take certain actions relating to improved mental health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kiggans, Jennifer A [Rep.-R-VA-2]; Committees: House – Armed Services

 

H.R.3379 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to skilled nursing facilities for primary immunodeficiency patients; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3380 – To amend the Public Health Service Act to expand and improve health care services by health centers and the National Health Service Corps for individuals with a developmental disability, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moulton, Seth [Rep.-D-MA-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3382 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to eliminate the coinsurance requirement for certain colorectal cancer screening tests furnished under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Payne, Donald M., Jr. [Rep.-D-NJ-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3387 – To amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for certain health coverage of newborns; Sponsor: Porter, Katie [Rep.-D-CA-47]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and the Workforce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3388 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to permit a private cause of action for damages in the case of a group health plan which fails to provide for primary payment or appropriate reimbursement; Sponsor: Schneider, Bradley Scott [Rep.-D-IL-10]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3391 – To extend the Gabriella Miller Kids First Pediatric Research Program at the National Institutes of Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wexton, Jennifer [Rep.-D-VA-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.1633 – A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warren, Elizabeth [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1636 – A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Manchin, Joe, III [Sen.-D-WV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1653 – A bill to amend the Public Health Safety Act to establish a program to award grants to State, local, and Tribal governments to purchase and distribute anti-blood loss supplies for use in a medical emergency, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Menendez, Robert [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1655 – A bill to establish a Medicare-for-all national health insurance program; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1656 – A bill to protect the privacy of personal reproductive or sexual health information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.1664 – A bill to allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families; Sponsor: Sanders, Bernard [Sen.-I-VT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1668 – A bill to improve the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Wyden, Ron [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.415 – Expressing support for the designation of May as “National Bladder Cancer Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Cartwright, Matt [Rep.-D-PA-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.416 – Expressing support for the designation of the 17th day in May 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

 

H.Res.419 – Expressing support for the designation of May as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month to increase the knowledge of this little-known, potentially fatal, genetic disease; Sponsor: Ruppersberger, C. A. Dutch [Rep.-D-MD-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3409 – To allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Education and the Workforce; House Administration; Oversight and Accountability

 

H.R.3412 – 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.3417 – To ensure fair billing practices for items and services furnished by off-campus outpatient departments of a provider; Sponsor: Hern, Kevin [Rep.-R-OK-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3420 – To protect the privacy of personal reproductive or sexual health information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Jacobs, Sara [Rep.-D-CA-51]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3421 – To establish an improved Medicare for All national health insurance program; Sponsor: Jayapal, Pramila [Rep.-D-WA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and the Workforce; Rules; Oversight and Accountability; Armed Services; Judiciary

 

H.R.3426 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to include expenses relating to membership in health care sharing ministries to qualify for the deduction for medical expenses, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Mike [Rep.-R- PA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.3428 – To amend title 38, United States Code, to recognize and honor the service of individuals who served in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.R.3432 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure coverage of mental and behavioral health services furnished through telehealth; Sponsor: Matsui, Doris O. [Rep.-D-CA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3433 – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to molecularly targeted pediatric cancer investigations, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCaul, Michael T. [Rep.-R-TX-10]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3440 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to protect access to telehealth services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.Res.221 – A resolution promoting minority health awareness and supporting the goals and ideals of National Minority Health Month in April 2023, which include bringing attention to the health disparities faced by minority populations of the United States such as American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders; Sponsor: Cardin, Benjamin L. [Sen.-D-MD]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.

 

S.Res.224 – A resolution designating May 2023 as “ALS Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.1673 – A bill to amend title XVIII to protect patient access to ground ambulance services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Cortez Masto, Catherine [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1687 – A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a system to notify individuals approaching Medicare eligibility; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1691 – A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve the enrollment of retiring individuals in the Medicare program; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.1697 – A bill to provide for the overall health and well-being of young people, including the promotion and attainment of lifelong sexual health and healthy relationships, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1698 – A bill to require group health plans and group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage for over-the-counter contraceptives; Sponsor: Murray, Patty [Sen.-D-WA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1699 – A bill to support the use of technology in maternal health care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Menendez, Robert [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1700 – A bill to address mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Menendez, Robert [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1701 – A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to take certain steps to increase clinical trial diversity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Menendez, Robert [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1703 – A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicare-only PACE program enrollees have a choice of prescription drug plans under Medicare part D; Sponsor: Carper, Thomas R. [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

 

S.1710 – A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Baldwin, Tammy [Sen.-D-WI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1712 – A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for reciprocal marketing approval of certain drugs, biological products, and devices that are authorized to be lawfully marketed abroad, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cruz, Ted [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1729 – A bill to facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services and 988 services in order to provide information and referral to all residents and visitors in the United States for mental health emergencies, homelessness needs, other social and human services needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Casey, Robert P., Jr. [Sen.-D-PA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.1745 – A bill 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: Daines, Steve [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.1749 – A bill to amend title XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to nursing facility requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.425 – Supporting the designation of July 19, 2023, as “Glioblastoma Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Mast, Brian J. [Rep.- R-FL-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3471 – To preempt States from establishing, implementing, or enforcing any ban on the prescription, provision, or use of a drug, biological product, or device for contraception if such drug, biological product, or device is approved, licensed, cleared, or otherwise authorized for human use by the Food and Drug Administration for contraception, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bice, Stephanie I. [Rep.-R-OK-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3481 – To provide paid family and medical leave benefits to certain individuals, and for other purposes; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.3498 – To facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services and 988 services in order to provide information and referral to all residents and visitors in the United States for mental health emergencies, homelessness needs, other social and human services needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Higgins, Brian [Rep.-D-NY-26]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3503 – To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services, acting through the Director of the National Institutes of Health, to take certain steps to increase clinical trial diversity, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D- IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3520 – To improve the provision of care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.3523 – To grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Gwen [Rep.-D-WI-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3532 – To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to provide for reciprocal marketing approval of certain drugs, biological products, and devices that are authorized to be lawfully marketed abroad, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Roy, Chip [Rep.-R-TX-21]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Rules

 

H.R.3548 – To address mental health issues for youth, particularly youth of color, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.3549 – To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure Medicare-only PACE program enrollees have a choice of prescription drug plans under Medicare part D; Sponsor: Wenstrup, Brad R. [Rep.-R-OH-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.3554 – 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: Zinke, Ryan K. [Rep.-R-MT-1]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs