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