Month: May 2026

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

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

 

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

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

 

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

 

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

H.R.9001 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a demonstration project on coverage by the Department of Veterans Affairs of over-the-counter hearing aids, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Self, Keith [Rep.-R-TX-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

President Withdraws Casey Means Surgeon General Nomination – President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Casey Means, MD for surgeon general. Means’ nomination had stalled in the Senate, with Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Bill Cassidy, MD (R-La.) and Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) declining to commit to supporting the nominee. The President’s first nominee for the position of surgeon general, Janette Nesheiwat, MD, was also withdrawn early during his second term in office.

 

President Trump has now tapped Nicole Saphier, MD for the position. Saphier is a radiologist and the director of breast imaging at Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth in New Jersey. She is also a former medical contributor for Fox News.

 

Congress Funds Most of DHS as Budget Reconciliation Process Continues – Congress passed legislation (H.R. 7147) on Thursday to fund most agencies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The House of Representatives approved the bill, which was passed by the Senate several weeks ago, via voice vote. DHS has gone unfunded since February 14. The partial spending bill fully funds the Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, Secret Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, along with other DHS offices aside from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol, through the end of the fiscal year. Republicans now aim to advance a budget reconciliation bill focusing on spending for ICE and Border Patrol along party-lines. Both chambers have adopted a budget resolution in recent days to jumpstart the budget reconciliation process.

 

Appropriations Update – The House Appropriations Committee advanced two fiscal year 2027 appropriations bills last week. The National Security-Department of State measure was approved in a 35-27 party line vote, and the Agriculture-Rural Development-Food and Drug Administration measure was approved in a 35-25 vote. Lawmakers also made progress on the Commerce-Justice-Science and Legislative Branch appropriations measures, with both spending bills advancing out of subcommittee last week. Markups will continue the week of May 10 when the House of Representatives returns from recess.

 

Lawmakers Ask Senate Appropriators to Sustain NIH Funding in FY 2027 – Fifty-two senators have signed a letter asking Appropriations Committee leadership to maintain a strong commitment to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in fiscal year (FY) 2027. The letter, led by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), emphasizes the importance of NIH funding to biomedical innovation, the current scientific workforce, and U.S. national security and economic competitiveness. “We recognize today’s challenging fiscal environment, but these challenges must not jeopardize the important health and scientific research that NIH supports,” the letter states. “We therefore respectfully urge the Committee to provide strong and sustained funding for the NIH in FY 2027, including the bill’s parameters for NIH’s use of forward funding of multi- year awards and other key provisions.” More than 180 members of the House of Representatives sent a similar letter to the House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies earlier in the month.

 

National Provider Directory Exposes Provider Social Security Numbers – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) accidentally exposed the Social Security data of at least 100 health care providers, as uncovered by The Washington Post via the National Provider Directory last week. CMS has since taken down the publicly accessible Medicare directory, which was launched last year, and officials say they are addressing the problem. The purpose of the webpage is to connect seniors with healthcare professionals; it includes data about more than 7 million providers. A spokesperson at CMS stated that the issue is the result of providers inputting their Social Security data in the incorrect place on the form.

 

Dept. of Education Finalizes Professional Degree Definition, New Loan Caps – The Department of Education issued a final rule last week capping federal borrowing limits for graduate students, including healthcare professionals. The regulation, which will go into effect July 1, implements the lower graduate school borrowing limits established by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law sets a cap of $50,000 annually, or $200,000 total, for professional degree programs, and $20,500 annually, or $100,000 total, for graduate degree programs. The Education Department’s final rule excludes certain graduate level clinical programs – such as nursing, physician assistant, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – from the definition of professional degree. Eleven-degree programs – including medicine, pharmacy, podiatry, chiropractic, clinical psychology, optometry, osteopathic medicine, and dentistry – qualify for the higher professional degree loan amounts.

 

Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Markups

Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee field hearing “Making Health Care Affordable Again Part 2: Perspectives from Employers, Patients, and Providers;” 9 a.m. CDT; May 5

 

Senate HELP Committee field hearing “From Crisis to Care: Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Across the Continuum of Care;” 9 a.m. CDT; May 6

 

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

 

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

 

Recently Introduced Health Legislation

S.J.Res.187 — A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency relating to “Modification to the Start of the Submission Period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Reporting and Recordkeeping Under TSCA 8(a)(7)”; Sponsor: Whitehouse, Sheldon [Sen.-D-RI]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

S.4384 — A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for certain reforms under the Medicare Advantage program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4385 — A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to reauthorize the Community Connect Grant Program, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Smith, Tina [Sen.-D-MN]; Committees: Senate – Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

 

S.4387 — A bill to study the extent to which individuals are more at risk of maternal morbidity or mortality as a result of being a victim of intimate partner violence; Sponsor: Shaheen, Jeanne [Sen.-D-NH]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4396 — A bill to amend title II of the Social Security Act to credit individuals serving as caregivers of dependent relatives with deemed wages for up to five years of such service; Sponsor: Murphy, Christopher [Sen.-D-CT]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4397 — A bill to amend the Toxic Substances Control Act to improve transparency of the regulatory process and coordination of science among Federal agencies, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ricketts, Pete [Sen.-R-NE]; Committees: Senate – Environment and Public Works

 

H.R.8499 — To require that opioid overdose rescue kits be located at public institutions of higher education, and for other purposes; Sponsor: De La Cruz, Monica [Rep.-R-TX-15]; Committees: House – Education and Workforce; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8500 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to ensure timely review of local coverage determination requests under the Medicare program; Sponsor: Dunn, Neal P. [Rep.-R-FL-2]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8504 — To authorize affordable financing assistance for rural health centers facing financial distress, and to protect access to essential health services in rural communities; Sponsor: Figures, Shomari [Rep.-D-AL-2]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.8516 — To make certain improvements relating to artificial intelligence, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Lieu, Ted [Rep.-D-CA-36]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology; Energy and Commerce; Agriculture; Oversight and Government Reform; Education and Workforce; Judiciary; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8520 — To facilitate nationwide accessibility and coordination of 211 services in order to provide information and referral to all individuals in the United States for health and human services needs, and for other purposes; Sponsor: McGarvey, Morgan [Rep.-D-KY-3]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8526 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to update quality standards for mammography facilities for the use of AI systems, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Schweikert, David [Rep.-R-AZ-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8528 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve access to skilled nursing facilities for primary immunodeficiency patients; Sponsor: Smith, Adrian [Rep.-R-NE-3]; Committees: House – Ways and Means; Energy and Commerce

 

H.R.8530 — To amend the National Quantum Initiative Act relating to certain health and workforce matters, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Sykes, Emilia Strong [Rep.-D-OH-13]; Committees: House – Science, Space, and Technology

 

S.Res.696 — A resolution expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2026 as “Parkinson’s Awareness Month”; Sponsor: Scott, Rick [Sen.-R-FL]; Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.

 

S.4416 — A bill to establish procedures for the detailing of Public Health Service Officers for purposes of advancing care in underserved communities; Sponsor: Murkowski, Lisa [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4420 — A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to provide for the participation of physical therapists in the National Health Service Corps Loan Repayment program, to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to expand Medicare Rural Health Clinic Services and Federally Qualified Health Center Services to include physical therapy services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Heinrich, Martin [Sen.-D-NM]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

H.Res.1223 — Expressing support for the designation of Undiagnosed Awareness Month; Sponsor: Pocan, Mark [Rep.-D-WI-2]; Committees: House – Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.8540 — To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage of, and expand access to, home and community-based services under the Medicaid program; to award grants for the creation, recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce and to award grants to support family caregivers; and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Oversight and Government Reform; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8541 — To support the direct care professional workforce, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Dingell, Debbie [Rep.-D-MI-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Ways and Means; Judiciary; House Administration; Oversight and Government Reform

 

H.R.8545 — To protect and expand access to pasteurized, donor human milk, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Houlahan, Chrissy [Rep.-D-PA-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

H.R.8551 — To amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act and title XXVII of the Public Health Service Act to provide no-cost coverage for annual screening mammography beginning at 30 years of age; Sponsor: Lawler, Michael [Rep.-R-NY-17]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8553 — To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to establish a precision oncology program for cancer of the prostate, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murphy, Gregory F. [Rep.-R-NC-3]; Committees: House – Veterans’ Affairs

 

S.4426 — A bill to prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties on persons who perform gender transition procedures on minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4427 — A bill to prohibit the Secretary of Labor from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed standard with respect to heat injury and illness prevention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Cassidy, Bill [Sen.-R-LA]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4440 — A bill to modernize clinical trials and remove barriers for participation in clinical trials, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Scott, Tim [Sen.-R-SC]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4441 — A bill to establish the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Young, Todd [Sen.-R-IN]; Committees: Senate – Commerce, Science, and Transportation

 

H.Res.1234 — Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2026, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people; Sponsor: Pettersen, Brittany [Rep.-D-CO-7]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.8573 — To prohibit gender transition procedures on minors, to authorize the Secretary of Health and Human Services to impose civil penalties on persons who perform gender transition procedures on minors, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Harshbarger, Diana [Rep.-R-TN-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Judiciary

 

H.R.8578 — To amend the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990 to codify the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030, issued jointly by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Letlow, Julia [Rep.-R-LA-5]; Committees: House – Agriculture

 

H.R.8585 — To require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to support community-based coverage entities to carry out a comprehensive coverage program that provides qualifying individuals and small businesses health coverage and integrated health related social need services to small business workers that promote improved health, long-term economic self-sufficiency, employment and retention, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Moolenaar, John R. [Rep.-R-MI-2]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce

 

S.Res.709 — A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Nurses Week, to be observed from May 6 through May 12, 2026; Sponsor: Merkley, Jeff [Sen.-D-OR]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.710 — A resolution recognizing Maternal Mental Health Day to raise awareness about maternal mental health; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.Res.714 — A resolution supporting the designation of May 10, 2026, as “National Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Mental Health Day”; Sponsor: Hirono, Mazie K. [Sen.-D-HI]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4460 — A bill to provide for an extension of the rural community hospital demonstration program; Sponsor: Grassley, Chuck [Sen.-R-IA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4467 — A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act with respect to nursing facility requirements, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Warner, Mark R. [Sen.-D-VA]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

S.4472 — A bill to amend the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act to reauthorize the provisions of such Act through fiscal year 2031, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Murkowski, Lisa [Sen.-R-AK]; Committees: Senate – Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

 

S.4479 — A bill to provide assisted living assistance through Medicaid and low-income housing tax credit; Sponsor: Marshall, Roger [Sen.-R-KS]; Committees: Senate – Finance

 

H.Res.1245 — Recognizing the importance of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program to protect the United States’ scientific integrity, public health, environment, and economic growth; Sponsor: Rivas, Luz M. [Rep.-D-CA-29]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce

 

H.Res.1249 — Expressing that the United States is obligated to permanently end the unhoused crisis by 2029 and uphold, protect, and enforce the civil and human rights of unhoused individuals, including the human rights to housing, universal health care, livable wages, education, employment opportunities, access to public facilities, free movement in public spaces, privacy, confidentiality, internet access, vote, freedom from harassment by law enforcement, private businesses, property owners, and housed residents, and equal rights to health care, legal representation, and social services without discrimination based on housing status; Sponsor: Tlaib, Rashida [Rep.-D-MI-12]; Committees: House – Financial Services; Energy and Commerce; Education and Workforce; Judiciary; Agriculture; Ways and Means

 

H.J.Res.167 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to “Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Deceptive and Unfair Collection of Medical Debt”; Sponsor: Pressley, Ayanna [Rep.-D-MA-7]; Committees: House – Financial Services

 

H.J.Res.168 — Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to “Bulletin 2022-01: Medical Debt Collection and Consumer Reporting Requirements in Connection with the No Surprises Act”; Sponsor: Tlaib, Rashida [Rep.-D-MI-12]; Committees: House – Financial Services

 

H.R.8622 — To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to transform the Merit-based Incentive Payment System into the Data-driven Performance Payment System under the Medicare physician fee schedule, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [Rep.-R-IA-1]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8629 — To strengthen recruitment, training, and retention of the health center workforce to improve access to care and health outcomes in rural and underserved communities, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Ruiz, Raul [Rep.-D-CA-25]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce; Ways and Means

 

H.R.8630 — To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit treatment of a biologic as a biological product based solely on the presence of a protein that is a clinically inactive component in such biologic, and for other purposes; Sponsor: Rulli, Michael A. [Rep.-R-OH-6]; Committees: House – Energy and Commerce