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Health Professionals Running for Congress

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
 

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

 

UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS AND MARKUPS

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

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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DEA Sends Telehealth Extension Regulation to OMB for Review

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

SENATE
Stabenow (D), MI Braun (R), IN
Cardin (D), MD Romney (R), UT
Carper (D), DE
Butler (D), CA
Manchin (D), WV
Sinema (I), AZ
Menendez (D), NJ (effective Aug. 20, 2024)
 

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

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Policymakers Spotlight GLP-1 Counterfeits, Costs

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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Senators Maintain Spotlight on Steward Healthcare

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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