Month: November 2025

Republicans Debate How to Address Rising Premiums, Expiring Tax Credits – Lawmakers recessed for the Thanksgiving holiday without a plan to address the spike in health insurance premiums that are expected from the expiration of enhanced advanced premium tax credits at the end of this year. Democrats continue to push for a straightforward extension of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has agreed to hold a vote on an extension no later than the second week of December. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to commit to such a vote, there is some support in his chamber for a bipartisan solution. The Bipartisan Healthcare Optimization, Protection, and Extension (HOPE) Act, introduced by Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), and Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.) last week, would extend the enhanced subsidies for two years while phasing out access to the tax credits for those earning between $200,000 and $300,000 for a family of four.

 

Republicans are engaged in a debate amongst themselves on a path forward for a fix, along with potential reforms to address health care costs more broadly.  During a Senate Finance Committee hearing last week, Sen. Bill Cassidy, MD unveiled his proposal to fund tax-advantaged health savings accounts (HSAs) for bronze-level and catastrophic plan enrollees in the ACA marketplace. Similarly, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) introduced legislation (S. 3264) to establish Trump Health Freedom Accounts, which would provide the value of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reduction payments directly to enrollees to be spent on health care expenses or insurance premiums.  In a post on Truth Social last week, President Donald Trump stated that he will not support legislation to extend expanded ACA subsidies, noting that he will only support direct payments to individual Americans to help with their health care expenses. The President has not specifically endorsed any of the above proposals, but has indicated that he hopes to secure a solution by January 30.

 

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report last week on HSAs. The report, which was requested by House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.), found that HSA use is concentrated among higher-income households, Asian and White individuals, people in excellent health, and those with employer coverage. Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee have pitched a proposal that would allow ACA enrollees to elect to receive financial assistance from insurers via their HSAs.  During a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, House GOP leadership expressed a preference for broader health care reform rather than a tax credit extension. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has stated that he is in conversation with the three committees with health policy jurisdiction on a legislative solution for lowering health costs, and that he expects to bring forward bills to promote HSAs and association health plans.

 

2026 Congressional Calendars – Both chambers of Congress have released their calendars for 2026. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives will recess for nearly all of the months of August and October ahead of the midterm elections. The two chambers will also recess alternating weeks leading up to January 30, the next government funding deadline: the Senate is set to be is out the week of January 19, while the House is set to be out the week of January 26 as the January 30^th funding deadline approaches. The yearly congressional calendars, however, are always subject to change.

 

Government Funding Update – The Senate has hotlined an appropriations minibus package including the following fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills:

• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Defense
• Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

 

Leadership hopes to advance the funding package after the Thanksgiving holiday. The Senate hotline process will identify which senators have objections to the package. The latest continuing resolution extended government funding for these agencies through January 30. Enacting the FY 2026 spending bills would provide funding through September 30. House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole (R-Okla.) has indicated that House Republicans are unlikely to consider any more FY 2026 appropriations measures until the Senate completes work on the minibus it is seeking to advance.

 

Senate Panels Advance HHS Watchdog Nominee – The Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee have advanced the nomination of Thomas Bell to serve as inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  Bell most recently worked as general counsel for Republicans in the House of Representatives. Both Senate panels approved his nomination along party lines. Senate Democrats have characterized the President’s removal of the prior HHS inspector general as unlawful, raising foundational concerns with Bell’s nomination process. Bell now awaits a Senate floor vote on final confirmation.

 

Ed Workforce Democrats Urge Administration to Act on Improper Claims Denials – Democratic leadership of the House Education and Workforce Committee have written to the Trump administration regarding wrongful and improper claim denials by group health plans and insurance companies. “Improper claim denials impose substantial health and financial hardships on individuals, leading to delays in necessary treatments, worsened health outcomes, and high out-of-pocket costs…. In far too many tragic cases, denials lead to the unnecessary deaths of people who have earned benefits through their plan, but are nonetheless denied the care that could have saved their lives,” the letter states. The lawmakers urge the Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) to implement transparency requirements to collect data on health claim denials by insurance companies and group health plans, commit to fully enforcing the law and to ensuring that EBSA is adequately staffed to fulfill its mission, and to take action to improve consumers’ ability to appeal wrongfully denied health benefits.

 

Democratic Health Leaders Introduce Bill to Lower Drug Prices – Democratic committee leaders have introduced drug pricing legislation to build upon the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation program. The Lowering Drug Costs for American Families Act was introduced by Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass), and Education and Workforce Committee Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Va.). The bill would:

• Extend the drug price negotiation program to Americans with private coverage;
• Apply inflationary rebates to individuals covered by private health plans;
• Increase the annual number of prescription drugs selected for negotiation from 20 to 50;
• Extend the annual $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs to people with private health insurance;
• Limit out-of-pocket costs for insulin at $35 per month for people with private health insurance;
• Close the orphan drug designation drug price negotiation loophole; and
• Require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary to consider the international price for the drug when negotiating prices.

 

Schrier Leads Letter on ACIP Reform – Rep. Kim Schrier, MD (D-Wash.) has led a letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the recent acceptance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) September 2025 vaccine recommendations, and the “broader erosion of scientific integrity and trust” in the CDC’s vaccine recommendation process. The lawmakers urge the reinstatement of all 17 former ACIP members, a recommitment to transparency and scientific rigor in the ACIP process, and clear, evidence-based communication to both health care providers and the public regarding the recently accepted ACIP recommendations. The letter was signed by 29 Democratic representatives.

 

Senators Write HHS on NSA Implementation – A bipartisan group of senators have sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. regarding the regulatory and operational gaps impacting the implementation of the No Surprises Act (NSA). The lawmakers specifically express concern about the challenges faced by air ambulance providers and other emergency medical services. They urge the department to act swiftly to “restore the NSA’s promise of fair, timely, and transparent reimbursement for air ambulance services, along with its objective to protect patients from surprise medical bills,” arguing that “strengthening these protections is essential to safeguarding patient access and the sustainability of critical care providers nationwide.” The letter was signed by Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Angus King (I-Maine), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.).

 

Gallego Seeks Clarification Around Anti-Obesity Medication Agreements – Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has written to Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk requesting details on the companies’ agreements with the Trump administration to lower the prices of their weight-loss drugs. The letter seeks clarification around how the newly announced deals fit within existing law. Sen. Gallego also asks for information about the companies’ participation in TrumpRx and the implementation of most favored nation pricing in the Medicaid program.

 

Arizona Lawmakers Request More Support from Rural Health Transformation Program – A bipartisan portion of Arizona’s congressional delegation has sent a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Director Mehmet Oz, MD regarding the state’s participation in the Rural Health Transformation Program. While the lawmakers thank Dr. Oz for ensuring that Arizona receives at least $200 million annually over five years, they assert that “given the vast area, significant needs of the State, and rurality of so many Arizonans, Arizona should receive much more than that in order to adequately address the significant needs of its rural communities.” The letter was signed by Sens. Mark Kelly (D) and Ruben Gallego (D) and Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R), Yassamin Ansari (D), and Greg Stanton (D).

 

Latest Lawmaker Election Bids, Resignations – Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) announced his bid for governor of California last week. Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012. He currently serves on the House Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) announced that she will resign from Congress on January 5. Greene was elected to Congress in 2020, and she currently serves on the Oversight and Accountability and Homeland Security committees. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) has announced a special election to fill Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s (D) seat in the House of Representatives. The primary has been scheduled for February 5, and the special general election will take place on April 16. The House GOP holds a 219-213 majority following Sherrill’s recent resignation. This advantage will be further narrowed upon Greene’s resignation.

 

New GAO Report on Medicaid Improper Payments – The GAO has released a new report about improper payments and fraud in the Medicaid program. GAO’s review of California, Georgia, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas found approximately $1.6 billion in improper spending on behalf of approximately 500,000 individuals in fiscal year 2023. These individuals were simultaneously enrolled across multiple states in Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or receiving an advance premium tax credit (APTC) across multiple states. The GAO recommends that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (1) design or modify controls to help detect and prevent duplicate Social Security numbers from being used on multiple marketplace policies receiving APTC benefits; and (2) require marketplaces and Medicaid and CHIP agencies to submit all enrollment data to a data-matching system for interstate matching on a frequently recurring basis and to resolve all matches to verify eligibility or terminate coverage as appropriate.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

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

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.877 — Expressing support for the designation of “Prematurity Awareness Month”; Sponsor: McClellan, Jennifer L. [Rep.-D-VA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6054 — To ensure that a fair percentage of Federal cancer research funds are dedicated to pediatric cancer research; Sponsor: Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [Rep.-R-PA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6052 —To amend the Public Health Service Act with regard to research on asthma, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6050 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain provisions of the health insurance premium tax credit, to rescind unobligated balances for providing assistance to Argentina, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Horsford, Steven [Rep.-D-NV-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Appropriations

 

S.Res.502 — A resolution recognizing November 2025 as “National Family Caregivers Month”; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.Res.500 — A resolution commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; Sponsor: Van Hollen, Chris [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.Res.499 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of “Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Husted, Jon [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3188 — A bill to establish a Biopharmaceutical Center of Excellence, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Coons, Christopher A. [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

H.Res.891 — Supporting the goals and ideals of “National Rural Health Day”; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6074 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the enhancement of the health care premium tax credit; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6077 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to ensure that medical students, medical residents, and medical faculty receive education and training in the deployment of artificial intelligence in the medical profession, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barragán, Nanette Diaz [Rep.-D-CA-44]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6089 — Biomanufacturing Excellence Act of 2025; Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.6100 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to lower barriers to increase patient access to health care; Sponsor: Moore, Blake D. [Rep.-R-UT-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6103 — To prohibit reductions in the workforce at the Drug Enforcement Administration, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6108 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary to exclude certain individuals and entities who commit fraud from participation in any Federal health care program; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6109 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements with respect to rates of reversed prior authorization coverage determinations under Medicare Advantage plans; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6110 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require Medicare Advantage plans to automatically reconsider determinations denying coverage; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6111 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require any advertisement of a Medicare Advantage plan to include information related to the rates of prior authorization denials under such plan; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6112 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish certain requirements with respect to the average monthly cost to provide coverage to an enrollee under Medicare Advantage plans; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6113 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to impose limitations on contracts with Medicare Advantage organizations offering multiple Medicare Advantage plans under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6114 — To prohibit funds made available to the Department of Health and Human Services by previous Appropriations Acts from being used for any activity that makes Medicare Advantage the default under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6115 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to maintain a website for Medicare beneficiaries to search for providers participating in MA plans and traditional Medicare; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6117 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to authorize requiring the manufacturers of a covered device to disclose to a patient all patient-specific data that is recorded or transmitted by the device and accessible to the manufacturer, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sherrill, Mikie [Rep.-D-NJ-11]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.507 — A resolution designating November 20, 2025, as “National Rural Health Day”; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.3199 — A bill to establish a multi-stakeholder advisory committee tasked with providing detailed recommendations to address challenges to transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Barrasso, John [Sen.-R-WY]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

S.3202 — A bill to direct the Director of the National Security Agency to develop guidance to secure artificial intelligence related technologies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Young, Todd [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Intelligence (Select)

 

S.3204 — A bill to amend the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 respecting the scoring of preventive health savings; Sponsor: King, Angus S., Jr. [Sen.-I-ME]; Committees: Senate – Budget

 

S.3206 — A bill to improve access to evidence-based, lifesaving health care for transgender people, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3209 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to ensure that the Secretary of Veterans Affairs furnishes certain non-opioid pain medications to veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Capito, Shelley Moore [Sen.-R-WV]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3213 — A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to extend the destruction authority of the Secretary of Health and Human Services to articles that present a significant public health concern, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3214 — A bill to require a background check for every firearm sale; Sponsor: Murphy, Christopher [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3221 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an option for first responders age 50 to 64 who are separated from service due to retirement or disability to buy into Medicare; Sponsor: Gallego, Ruben [Sen.-D-AZ]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3223 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop and nationally disseminate accurate, relevant, and accessible resources to promote understanding about sensitivities regarding adoption in the health care industry, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Husted, Jon [Sen.-R-OH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.R.6121 — To provide for the publication by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of physical activity recommendations for Americans; Sponsor: Moore, Blake D. [Rep.-R-UT-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6130 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of blood-based dementia screening tests; Sponsor: Buchanan, Vern [Rep.-R-FL-16]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6131 — To increase the recruitment and retention of school-based mental health services providers by low-income local educational agencies; Sponsor: Chu, Judy [Rep.-D-CA-28]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6147 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide an option for first responders age 50 to 64 who are separated from service due to retirement or disability to buy into Medicare; Sponsor: Landsman, Greg [Rep.-D-OH-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6148 — To amend Public Law 119-21 to repeal certain changes to eligibility redeterminations under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Larsen, Rick [Rep.-D-WA-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6157 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide benefits under the Medicare program for first responders at the age of 57; Sponsor: Panetta, Jimmy [Rep.-D-CA-19]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6159 — To establish in the Office of Science and Technology Policy the Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Education Commission, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rivas, Luz M. [Rep.-D-CA-29]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

H.R.6160 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for an update to a single conversion factor under the Medicare physician fee schedule that is based on the Medicare economic index; Sponsor: Ruiz, Raul [Rep.-D-CA-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

S.Res.514 — A resolution designating November 2025 as “American Diabetes Month”; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.3228 — A bill 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: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3230 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants to develop or expand in-person and virtual peer support programs for family caregivers; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3231 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to develop and expand integrated caregiver support services for family caregivers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3232 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act to 1965 to authorize funding for the Research, Demonstration, and Evaluation Center for the Aging Network to engage in certain research and evaluation activities with respect to family caregivers and to revise the definition of the term “family caregiver”; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3233 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide financial planning services related to the needs of family caregivers, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3234 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to establish a pilot program for family caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder with neurological and organic brain dysfunction; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3235 — A bill to amend the Older Americans Act of 1965 to provide for food-based interventions; Sponsor: Markey, Edward J. [Sen.-D-MA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3238 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit approved medical residency training programs under the Medicare program from requiring opt-out abortion training; Sponsor: Lankford, James [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3245 — A bill to require the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee to improve mental health screening conducted under separation health assessments for members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ricketts, Pete [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3248 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the limitations on contributions to health savings accounts, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Paul, Rand [Sen.-R-KY]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3250 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reauthorize the Rural Flex program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hassan, Margaret Wood [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3254 — A bill to establish the IMPROVE Initiative within the National Institutes of Health; Sponsor: Britt, Katie Boyd [Sen.-R-AL]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3264 — A bill to establish a health freedom waiver program, to promote better price reporting and outcomes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3267 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for Medicare coverage of blood-based dementia screening tests; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3271 — A bill to authorize grants for the support of family caregivers; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3274 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a special enrollment period for pregnant women, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Alsobrooks, Angela D. [Sen.-D-MD]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3280 — A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing a full-service hospital of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Alaska, Hawaii, and New Hampshire and to provide continued access to care under the Veterans Community Care Program in States that establish such a hospital; Sponsor: Sullivan, Dan [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.903 — Expressing support for the designation of November as “Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Tonko, Paul [Rep.-D-NY-20]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.898 — Recognizing November 2025 as “National Family Caregivers Month”; Sponsor: Evans, Dwight [Rep.-D-PA-3]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6245 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish an interagency task force on youth health and wellness to encourage community-supported physical activity spaces; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6242 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to provide for a special enrollment period for pregnant women, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Watson Coleman, Bonnie [Rep.-D-NJ-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.6241 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize grants to provide treatment for diabetes in urban and rural communities; Sponsor: Waters, Maxine [Rep.-D-CA-43]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6240 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to restore State authority to waive for certain facilities the 35-mile rule for designating critical access hospitals under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6238 — To establish the IMPROVE Initiative within the National Institutes of Health; Sponsor: Underwood, Lauren [Rep.-D-IL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6232 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, and to amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to make certain adjustments to the operation of the Exchanges established under such Act; Sponsor: Suozzi, Thomas R. [Rep.-D-NY-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6226 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for a national awareness and outreach campaign to improve mental health among the Hispanic and Latino youth population; Sponsor: Salinas, Andrea [Rep.-D-OR-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6220 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct a study and submit to Congress a report on neonatal abstinence syndrome, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Newhouse, Dan [Rep.-R-WA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6219 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to prohibit approved medical residency training programs under Medicare program from requiring opt-out abortion training; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6218 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for coverage under the Medicare program of hearing aids and related hearing services; Sponsor: Mullin, Kevin [Rep.-D-CA-15]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6214 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to innovative treatment options for end-stage renal disease under the Medicare program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller, Carol D. [Rep.-R-WV-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6213 — To prohibit the Secretary of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed standard with respect to heat injury and illness prevention; Sponsor: Messmer, Mark B. [Rep.-R-IN-8]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce

 

H.R.6211 — To amend title 41, United States Code, to expand license portability for health care professionals providing health care services in response to a Federal emergency declaration pursuant to a contract with the Federal Government, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, Richard [Rep.-R-GA-7]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.6199 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand the availability of medical nutrition therapy services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Kelly, Robin L. [Rep.-D-IL-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6197 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate payment of certain algorithm-based healthcare services under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Joyce, John [Rep.-R-PA-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6191 — To prohibit Federal funds to be used for certain abortion services; Sponsor: Harris, Mark [Rep.-R-NC-8]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6183 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to reform certain rules related to health savings accounts; Sponsor: Doggett, Lloyd [Rep.-D-TX-37]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6182 — To provide for health coverage with no cost-sharing for additional breast screenings for certain individuals at greater risk for breast cancer; Sponsor: DeLauro, Rosa L. [Rep.-D-CT-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce; Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6178 — 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: Castor, Kathy [Rep.-D-FL-14]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.6171 — To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to establish an out-of-pocket limit on spending for prescription drugs; Sponsor: Auchincloss, Jake [Rep.-D-MA-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6167 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a deduction for certain charity care furnished by physicians, to amend the Public Health Safety Act to limit the liability of physicians providing certain charity care, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Webster, Daniel [Rep.-R-FL-11]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6166 — To expand the drug price negotiation program under title XI of the Social Security Act and repeal certain changes to the program made by Public Law 119-21, to apply prescription drug inflation rebates under the Medicare program to drugs furnished in the commercial market, and to establish out-of-pocket limits on expenditures for prescription drugs under private health insurance; Sponsor: Pallone, Frank [Rep.-D-NJ-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

Government Reopens Following Record Shutdown – President Donald Trump signed government funding legislation (H.R. 5371) on Wednesday, ending the nation’s longest ever shutdown that had commenced 43 days prior. The deal negotiated by Senate GOP leadership and several Senate Democrats included an appropriations minibus – funding Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Legislative Branch for the entirety of fiscal year (FY) 2026 – as well as a separate stopgap funding the remainder of the federal government through January 30, 2026. The package also provides funding for expired health extenders – including telehealth waivers, the Acute Hospital Care at Home program, and the work Geographic Price Cost Index floor of 1.0 – through January 30.  In exchange for Democratic support, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has pledged to hold a vote on an Affordable Care Act (ACA) enhanced premium tax credit extension no later than the second week of December. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to commit to such a vote.

 

The FDA appropriations portion of the package would fund the agency at approximately $7 billion –including $3.4 billion in discretionary funding – similar but not identical to the funding measure unanimously advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee in July. It includes a five-year reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee program. The agreement requires the agency to report on its progress toward the use of alternatives to animal testing for the clearance of new sunscreens and topical over-the-counter drugs. The bill also includes enhanced enforcement provisions against illegal tobacco products.  Majority Leader Thune has stated that the chamber will move quickly to begin passage of additional FY 2026 spending measures this week, including funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

 

Discussions are underway amongst the White House and congressional Republicans about how to address the spike in health care premiums that will result from the expiration of the enhanced ACA tax credits on December 31. The President has expressed support for paying Americans directly for their health care expenses, shifting from the current tax credit system to one of cash payments to individuals. The idea has been praised by a number of Republicans on Capitol Hill, several of whom have indicated plans to draft legislation in line with the proposal. House committee chairs are scheduled to hold listening sessions with Republican members about the party’s health care policy agenda and the expiring tax credits this week. On Wednesday, the Senate Finance Committee is holding a hearing to consider solutions to address the rising cost of health care.

 

Sen. Welch Leads Letter on New Drug Pricing Arrangements, TrumpRx – A group of seven Senate Democrats have written to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. requesting information about the recently announced drug pricing arrangements the administration has entered into with Pfizer and AstraZeneca. The letter, led by Sen. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), expresses concern that the introduction of preferential pricing arrangements with individual manufacturers could undermine the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The lawmakers also pose questions about the scope, structure, and legal authority for the new TrumpRx direct-to-patient prescription drug sales platform.

 

Democrats Raise Concerns with Mifepristone Review – The Senate Democratic caucus has sent a letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Commissioner of Food and Drugs Marty Makary, MD in response to the administration’s announcement that they will open an investigation into the safety and efficacy of mifepristone. “We are alarmed by the department’s obvious attempts to politicize the review, regulation, and approval of mifepristone at the Food and Drug Administration, and we write to request more information on the details of the review of mifepristone,” the letter states. The lawmakers go on to express concerns about the administration’s “clear intent to tee up further restrictions on medication abortion, in light of a recent federal court order holding that the agency has failed to justify its current extreme restrictions on mifepristone and must consider lifting them.” They request a response to a series of related questions by November 28.

 

Fetterman Hospitalized Following Fall – Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) was hospitalized last week after sustaining minor injuries from a fall. According to a social media post from his office, Sen. Fetterman fell after feeling light-headed on a walk near his home on Thursday morning. Doctors determined that the incident was caused by a “ventricular fibrillation flare-up.” The Senator is doing well, but chose to remain at the hospital for observation and for physicians to “fine-tune his medication regimen.”

 

Arrington, Watson Coleman Announce Retirement from House – House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026. Rep. Arrington was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2016. In addition to leading the Budget Committee, he also sits on the Ways and Means Committee.  Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.) also announced her decision to not run for reelection next year. Rep. Watson Coleman has served in the House since 2015. She was the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives, and currently serves on the House Appropriations Committee.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

House Budget Committee hearing “Oversight of the Congressional Budget Office;” 10:15 a.m.; November 18

 

House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing “Innovation with Integrity: Examining the Risks and Benefits of AI Chatbots;” 2:00 p.m.; November 18

 

Senate Finance Committee open executive session to consider favorably reporting the nomination of Thomas Bell, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services; 9:45 a.m.; November 19

 

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing “Examining the Future of the U.S. Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network;” 10:00 a.m.; November 19

 

Senate Finance Committee hearing “The Rising Cost of Health Care: Considering Meaningful Solutions for all Americans;” 10:00 a.m.; November 19

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee nomination hearing for Thomas Bell to be Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 10:00 a.m.; November 19

 

House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Modernizing Care Coordination to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease; 2:00 p.m.; November 19

 

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Made in America: Restoring Trust in Our Medicines;” 3:45 p.m.; November 19

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee business meeting to consider the nomination of Thomas Bell to be Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 10:00 a.m.; November 20

 

House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing “Improving Outcomes for Disabled Veterans: Oversight of VA’s Medical Disability Examination Office;” 12:00 p.m.; November 20

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.3159 —A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to temporarily provide for long-term care pharmacy supply fees in connection with the dispensing of certain drugs; Sponsor: Lankford, James [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3166 — A bill to rescind unused COVID funding and reduce the deficit; Sponsor: Ernst, Joni [Sen.-R-IA]; Latest Action: Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.

 

H.R.5940 — To prohibit implementation of the WISeR model under the Medicare program; Sponsor: DelBene, Suzan K. [Rep.-D-WA-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5943 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a Task Force on Complementary and Integrative Health/Whole Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Elfreth, Sarah [Rep.-D-MD-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5944 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to allow for Federal financial participation for services furnished to patients in an institution for mental diseases under the Medicaid program; Sponsor: Finstad, Brad [Rep.-R-MN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5946 — To provide for the issuance of a Veterans Medical Debt Relief Stamp; Sponsor: Flood, Mike [Rep.-R-NE-1]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform; Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5949 — To establish a pilot program to furnish dental care to veterans who reside in rural and highly rural areas; Sponsor: Gonzales, Tony [Rep.-R-TX-23]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5969 — To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to ensure that abortion-inducing drugs bear a label identifying the name and address of the dispenser and the name of the prescriber, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moore, Barry [Rep.-R-AL-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5972 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to extend the annual open enrollment period for enrolling in a qualified health plan offered by an Exchange for plan year 2026; Sponsor: Pappas, Chris [Rep.-D-NH-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5981 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to waive the requirement of certain veterans to make copayments for hospital care and medical services in the case of an error by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smucker, Lloyd [Rep.-R-PA-11]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5986 — To authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy adulterated, misbranded, or counterfeit tobacco products offered for import; Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.Res.492 — A resolution recognizing community care as an essential tool for meeting the health care needs of the veterans of the United States; Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6016 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schneider, Bradley Scott [Rep.-D-IL-10]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.6010 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend and modify the enhanced premium tax credit, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Liccardo, Sam T. [Rep.-D-CA-16]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6009 — Defense Biotechnology Strategy Act; Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House – Armed Services; Foreign Affairs

 

H.R.6005 — To amend the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 to direct the Interagency Working Group on Toxic Exposure to conduct research on the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions of descendants of individuals exposed to toxic substances while serving as members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6001 — To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit a report on risk reduction strategies to lower the incidence and prevalence of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in veterans; Sponsor: Crow, Jason [Rep.-D-CO-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6000 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the collection and analysis of data regarding certain suicides by veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crow, Jason [Rep.-D-CO-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5999 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to furnish an opioid antagonist to a veteran without requiring a prescription or copayment; Sponsor: Conaway, Herbert C. [Rep.-D-NJ-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5996 — To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct reviews of certain budget requests of the President for the medical care accounts of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Brownley, Julia [Rep.-D-CA-26]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.Res.872 — Supporting the goals and ideals of “Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) Awareness Day”; Sponsor: Valadao, David G. [Rep.-R-CA-22]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6022 — To amend title 36, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a flag for next of kin of veterans who die by suicide; Sponsor: Bresnahan, Robert P. [Rep.-R-PA-8]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.6024 — To improve mental health services of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Crow, Jason [Rep.-D-CO-6]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs; Armed Services

 

H.R.6030 — To include Puerto Rico in National Survey on Drug Use and Health, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Hernández, Pablo Jose [Resident Commissioner-D-PR-At Large]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6031 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish a floor in Medicare Advantage benchmark rates for regions with low Medicare fee-for-service penetration; Sponsor: Hernández, Pablo Jose [Resident Commissioner-D-PR-At Large]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.6038 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish an integrated project team to improve the process for scheduling appointments for health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Mackenzie, Ryan [Rep.-R-PA-7]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.6043 — MY DATA Act of 2025; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

Government Shutdown Update – The government shutdown, now in its 40+ day, has surpassed the 35-day previous record for the longest federal shutdown in U.S. history. The previous record was set during President Trump’s first term. The Senate remained in session over the weekend for the first time since the government shut down began last month, voting on Sunday night on a path forward for funding the government. The chamber voted 60-40 on a procedural motion to advance the continuing resolution previously passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate will resume consideration of the funding package at 11:00 a.m. on Monday. Under the deal negotiated by GOP leadership and Sens. Angus King (I-Maine), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), that stopgap spending bill will serve as the vehicle for an appropriations minibus – funding Military Construction, Agriculture/FDA, and the Legislative Branch for the entirety of fiscal year 2026 – as well as a separate stopgap funding the remainder of the federal government through January 30, 2026. In exchange for Democratic support, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) has pledged to hold a vote on an Affordable Care Act tax credit extension no later than the 2nd week of December. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has refused to commit to such a vote.

 

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House of Representatives released a statement of principles last week for temporarily extending and reforming the ACA tax credits. The principles from Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), Jeff Hurd (R-Colo.), and Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) express support for a two-year extension of the tax credits, paired with an income limit ranging from $200,000 to $400,000 on who can qualify for them. The principles also outline several guardrails to prevent improper payments.

 

The Joint Economic Committee released an issue brief last week arguing that the ACA credits should be allowed to expire. The brief asserts that the credits have outlived their temporary purpose and are fiscally unsustainable. “Maintaining an unsustainable subsidy bubble perpetuates a broken incentive system that deepens market distortions, burdens the American taxpayer, and converts precious federal dollars into economic deadweight loss,” the committee writes.

 

Cassidy Introduces Health Information Privacy Reform Bill – Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) has introduced legislation to expand health data privacy protections to account for new technologies such as smartwatches and health apps. The Health Information Privacy Reform Act would require health technologies that are not currently subject to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to disclose how consumer information is collected and shared. The bill also aims to expand individuals’ ability to access, correct, and delete their health information.

 

Senate Aging Committee Leadership to Consider Rare Disease Drug Pipeline – Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) have written to Commissioner of Food and Drugs Marty Makary, MD, requesting information about the development and approval of treatments for rare diseases. The lawmakers note plans to hold a hearing focused on the rare disease drug development pipeline and the regulatory challenges that can affect patients’ access to lifesaving therapies. They ask for details from Dr. Makary about the initiatives that have been undertaken “to address the unique challenges facing the rare disease community, and how to increase the speed and number of rare disease drug approvals.”

 

Cotton Writes FDA on Illicit Chinese Nicotine Products – Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) has sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressing concern about illicit Chinese nicotine products being sold in the U.S., specifically highlighting the availability of dangerous products targeted at children. Sen. Cotton urges the FDA to increase the number of American products available to consumers, arguing that “only when adult consumers have legal, regulated, and satisfactory alternatives available in the American marketplace will the market demand for illicit Chinese products disappear.” He asks the agency to respond with what additional authorities are needed to curb distribution of illicit Chinese nicotine products, and to provide any plans to increase the number of American products available.

 

Marshall, Moran Urge CMS to Approve Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program Application – Kansas Republican senators Roger Marshall, MD and Jerry Moran are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve their state’s plan for the Rural Health Transformation Program. The two lawmakers have sent separate letters to the health agency regarding the program, which was established under this year’s budget reconciliation bill to support financially vulnerable rural hospitals that could be adversely impacted by the law. “As a physician who practiced in and managed a rural hospital, I understand the challenges these providers are facing. This funding opportunity is an incredible chance to transform our health care delivery system,” Sen. Marshall wrote. Sen. Moran’s letter, which was also signed by Reps. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Ron Estes (R-Kan.), Tracey Mann (R-Kan.), and Derek Schmidt (R-Kan.), suggested that Kansas’ plan could “also serve as also serve as a national model for modernizing and sustaining rural health care delivery.”

 

Rep. Stefanik Enters New York Governor’s Race – Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) announced last week that she will run for governor of New York next year. Stefanik will challenge sitting Gov. Kathy Hochul (D), who is running for a second term. Stefanik was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 at age 30, making her the youngest woman in history to be elected to Congress. She served as chair of the House Republican Conference from 2021 to 2025, and currently sits on the Armed Services Committee, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

 

Pelosi Announces Retirement After Nearly Four Decades in Congress – Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 85, has announced her plans to retire at the end of her term after nearly 40 years in Congress. Pelosi was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1987. In 2007, she became the first woman elected to serve as Speaker of the House. Pelosi led House Democrats for nearly two decades, serving as House Speaker under four presidents. She was instrumental in the enactment of major Democratic policy achievements, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the Affordable Care Act, and the Dodd-Frank Act. Pelosi had previously indicated that she would wait to announce her decision on running next year until after California voted on Proposition 50, a ballot measure that will enable the state to redraw its congressional map in Democrats’ favor.

 

Rep. Jared Golden Won’t See Reelection – Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) announced on Wednesday that he will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives. Golden, who is currently serving his fourth term in Congress, represents a battleground district won by the President in 2024. “My decision is motivated by the clarity recent months have provided about the state of our politics,” Golden wrote in an op-ed last week. “I don’t fear losing. What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning.” The congressman currently serves on the Armed Services and Natural Resources committees.

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.R.5899 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to increase health insurance access for individuals placing their newborns for adoption; Sponsor: Van Duyne, Beth [Rep.-R-TX-24]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5897 — To amend title 23, United States Code, to improve access to automated external defibrillators at interstate transportation facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Transportation and Infrastructure

 

H.R.5895 —To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to establish certain standards and requirements with respect to obtaining informed consent and providing chaperones for providers of services participating in the Medicare program; Sponsor: Trahan, Lori [Rep.-D-MA-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5882 —To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to include food containing dyes, flavoring, and sweeteners as misbranded unless the packaging of such food states such fact; Sponsor: Jacobs, Sara [Rep.-D-CA-51]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5873 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to provide an explanation of benefits not later than 30 days after an item or service is furnished under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5872 — To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to verify whether a health care provider is licensed in good standing before issuing the provider a unique health identifier, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.5871 — To require the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services to submit a report on Medicare and Medicaid fraud; Sponsor: Bean, Aaron [Rep.-R-FL-4]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.Res.848 — Supporting the role of the United States in helping save the lives of children and protecting the health of people in low-income countries with vaccines and immunization through Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (“Gavi”); Sponsor: Kean, Thomas H. [Rep.-R-NJ-7]; Committees: House – Foreign Affairs

 

S.3093 —A bill to require the Science and Technology Directorate in the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Drug Enforcement Agency to develop greater capacity to detect, identify, and disrupt illicit substances, such as nitazenes, in very low concentrations; Sponsor: Schmitt, Eric [Sen.-R-MO]; Committees: Senate – Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

 

S.3097 — A bill to provide additional protections with respect to health information, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3098 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to publish information about conditions and cohorts the Department of Veterans Affairs is considering for purposes of establishing or removing presumptions of service connection regarding toxic exposure, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Blumenthal, Richard [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3102 — A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the temporary enhanced premium credits, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Welch, Peter [Sen.-D-VT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.R.5925 — To establish within the Department of Health and Human Services an Ombuds for Reproductive and Sexual Health; Sponsor: Williams, Nikema [Rep.-D-GA-5]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5919 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a review of opioid overdose deaths among veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5915 — To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish additional presumptions of service connection for certain diseases that occur in veterans who suffered toxic exposure while serving at Karshi Khanabad Air Base, Uzbekistan; Sponsor: Lynch, Stephen F. [Rep.-D-MA-8]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

H.R.5905 — To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a charitable deduction for the service of volunteer firefighters and emergency medical and rescue personnel; Sponsor: Bresnahan, Robert P. [Rep.-R-PA-8]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

S.Res.485 — A resolution designating the month of October 2025 as “National Military Toxic Exposures Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Moran, Jerry [Sen.-R-KS]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Voice Vote.

 

S.3105 — A bill to regulate human cadaveric islets for transplantation as organs; Sponsor: Lee, Mike [Sen.-R-UT]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.490 — A resolution affirming the critical importance of preserving the United States’ advantage in artificial intelligence and ensuring that the United States achieves and maintains artificial intelligence dominance; Sponsor: Coons, Christopher A. [Sen.-D-DE]; Committees: Senate – Foreign Relations

 

S.3148 — A bill to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to destroy adulterated, misbranded, or counterfeit tobacco products offered for import; Sponsor: Cornyn, John [Sen.-R-TX]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3145 — A bill to amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to test a comprehensive alternative response for emergencies model under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Collins, Susan M. [Sen.-R-ME]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.3143 — A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow certain alien veterans to be paroled into the United States to receive health care furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Duckworth, Tammy [Sen.-D-IL]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3139 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish the Zero Suicide Initiative pilot program of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Rosen, Jacky [Sen.-D-NV]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3138 — A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to include adaptive prostheses and terminal devices for sports and other recreational activities in the medical services furnished to eligible veterans by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Sponsor: Banks, Jim [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.3134 — A bill to amend the Fentanyl Sanctions Act to address trafficking of copy-cat and counterfeit drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]; Committees: Senate – Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

 

S.3130 — A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a program to award grants to eligible entities to develop, implement, and evaluate approaches and methodologies for prospective randomized control trials for neurorehabilitation treatments for the treatment of chronic mild traumatic brain injury in veterans, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, David [Sen.-R-PA]; Committees: Senate – Veterans’ Affairs

 

Government Shutdown Update – Congress did not make progress toward reopening the government last week. Senate Democrats have so far rejected the stopgap spending bill, which would extend government funding through November 21, 13 times. Democrats refuse to support any spending measure that does not extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) advanced premium tax credits that are set to expire on December 31, while Republican leadership insists that the government be reopened before lawmakers debate an extension of the subsidies.

 

November 1 marked the depletion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds and the beginning of the ACA Marketplace open enrollment period. Late last week, a federal judge sent a written order to the administration requiring the Department of Agriculture to make SNAP payments no later than end of day Monday, or alternatively, partial payments by the end of the day Wednesday. Kaiser Family Foundation has estimated that the average increase in premiums for ACA benchmark silver plans will be 26% next year, while the amount that individuals pay for coverage will increase by 114% on average because of the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies.

 

As the shutdown continues, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) is soliciting ideas from GOP leadership of the House Ways and Means, Education and Workforce, and Energy and Commerce committees about which policies could be incorporated into a year-end health care package. The group is reportedly discussing options to lower health insurance premiums, like the funding of cost-sharing reduction payments, along with possible reforms to the pharmacy benefit manager industry.

 

Surgeon General Confirmation Hearing Postponed, HHS IG Nominee Appears Before Finance – The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee postponed its confirmation hearing with Casey Means, nominee for U.S. Surgeon General, after the nominee went into labor. Means, who had planned to appear virtually, was more than 40 weeks pregnant at the time of her scheduled appearance before the panel on Thursday. Means is a medical doctor, wellness influencer, and co-founder of the bio wearables and health-tracking company Levels. Means graduated medical school but dropped out of her surgical residency in her fifth year, opting to open a functional medicine practice. Means was tapped for the position of surgeon general in May after the White House withdrew the nomination of former Fox News contributor Janette Nesheiwat.

 

The Senate Finance Committee held a confirmation hearing for Thomas Bell on Wednesday. Bell, who most recently worked as general counsel for Republicans in the House of Representatives, has been nominated to serve as inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Ahead of the hearing, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to the nominee questioning Bell’s ability to perform the responsibilities of inspector general and “root out waste, fraud, and abuse in a manner that does not favor any ideological or political agenda.” Senate Democrats have more broadly characterized the President’s removal of the prior HHS inspector general as unlawful, raising foundational concerns with Bell’s nomination process.

 

Sen. Marshall Requests Emergency DEA Action on 7-OH —  Sen. Roger Marshall, MD (R-Kan.) has sent a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requesting emergency action to schedule 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and related products as a Schedule I substance. Sen. Marshall expresses concerns that such products are being falsely marketed as kratom extracts and pose significant dangers to consumers. The letter asserts that 7-OH is approximately 13 times more potent than morphine, and that the current regulatory gap “blurs the distinction between a natural botanical product and a dangerous synthetic drug.” The DEA had previously indicated plans to pursue rulemaking related to 7-OH.  Marshall urges the agency to fast-track controlled substance scheduling and strengthen its oversight to prevent new synthetic derivatives from reaching the market.

 

USPSTF Meeting Postponed Again – HHS has postponed the November meeting of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). “The Trump Administration is committed to reopening the government so meetings like this one can occur,” an HHS spokesperson said in a statement. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously cancelled USPSTF’s July meeting.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing “Renewing Our Commitment: How the Older Americans Act Uplifts Families Living with Aging-Related Diseases;” 3:30 p.m.; November 5

 

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing “Assessing the Damage Done by Obamacare;” 2:00 p.m.; November 6

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

H.Res.830 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 999) to protect an individual’s ability to access contraceptives and to engage in contraception and to protect a health care providers ability to provide contraceptives, contraception, and information related to contraception; Sponsor: Fletcher, Lizzie [Rep.-D-TX-7]; Committees: House – Rules

 

H.Res.831 — Expressing support for the designation of October 2025 as “National Down Syndrome Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Garbarino, Andrew R. [Rep.-R-NY-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5813 — 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 group health plans and health insurance issuers offering group or individual health insurance coverage to provide coverage of certain items and services relating to breast or chest wall reconstruction furnished in connection with breast cancer treatment; Sponsor: Cammack, Kat [Rep.-R-FL-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.5821 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the treatment of certain hospitals as critical access hospitals under the Medicare program; Sponsor: LaMalfa, Doug [Rep.-R-CA-1]; Committees: House – Ways and Means

 

H.R.5828 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a public awareness campaign to increase awareness of the importance of father inclusion and engagement in improving overall health outcomes during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Vindman, Eugene Simon [Rep.-D-VA-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

S.3064 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure appropriate access to non-opioid pain management drugs for chronic pain conditions under part D of the Medicare program; Sponsor: Daines, Steve [Sen.-R-MT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.835 — Declaring gun violence a public health crisis; Sponsor: Espaillat, Adriano [Rep.-D-NY-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5839 — To amend title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to include certain supplemental coverage provided to individual health insurance coverage as an excepted benefit; Sponsor: Balderson, Troy [Rep.-R-OH-12]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5844 — To amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the registration of opioid treatment programs to increase stakeholder input from relevant communities and to ensure such programs are treating patients in need, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Espaillat, Adriano [Rep.-D-NY-13]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.5858 — To make it easier for rural health facilities to buy and upgrade preventative health care equipment through the Community Facilities Grant Program of the Department of Agriculture; Sponsor: Scholten, Hillary J. [Rep.-D-MI-3]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.5859 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants for the purpose of establishing, operating, or expanding one-stop crisis facilities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Adam [Rep.-D-WA-9]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Financial Services; Judiciary

 

H.R.5861 — To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to seek an agreement with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study on establishing a system for storing last wish documents, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Suozzi, Thomas R. [Rep.-D-NY-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.5864 — To establish standards for trauma kits purchased using funds provided under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Judiciary

 

H.R.5865 — To establish the Thalidomide Survivors Compensation Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Van Drew, Jefferson [Rep.-R-NJ-2]; Committees: House – Judiciary; Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce; Natural Resources; Agriculture; Education and Workforce; Financial Services; Transportation and Infrastructure; Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.Res.476 — A resolution supporting the designation of October 2025 as “Substance Use & Misuse Prevention Month” to raise awareness of substance use and misuse in the United States; Sponsor: Ricketts, Pete [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.477 — A resolution designating the first full week in May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week”; Sponsor: Mullin, Markwayne [Sen.-R-OK]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.Res.480 — A resolution expressing support for the recognition of October 2025 as “World Menopause Awareness Month,” and expressing the sense of the Senate regarding global awareness and access to care during the menopausal transition and post-menopause; Sponsor: Booker, Cory A. [Sen.-D-NJ]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.3076 — A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to permanently schedule the class of 2-benzylbenzimidazole-opioids known as nitazenes, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McCormick, David [Sen.-R-PA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary

 

S.3081 — 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.3087 — A bill to amend the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit certain acts related to fentanyl, analogues of fentanyl, and counterfeit substances, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Judiciary