On Aug. 10, 2021, the Senate passed the infrastructure bill, called the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in a 69-30 vote. The bill will now wait for consideration in the House of Representatives. The total cost of the bill is $1.2 trillion with $548 billion in new spending. The bill reauthorizes the traditional surface
The Courts and Healthcare Policy
The courts continue to play an important role in health policy. 2020 saw several notable lawsuits related to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Several other Trump administration policies were challenged, including Medicare payment policies, price transparency, how the Medicaid program can change and whether Medicaid beneficiaries can sue over curtailed benefits, and immigration changes affecting
Senate Committee Releases Topline Priorities for FY22 Budget Reconciliation Bill
On Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, the Senate Budget Committee released its budget resolution for fiscal year 2022. The bill will serve as the foundation for the broad, sweeping spending bill that Democrats and President Biden hope to pass this fall. The bill aims to fulfill many of the promises made by the administration related to
Washington Healthcare Update | Aug. 9, 2021
This week in Washington: House in recess, Senate continues to debate bipartisan infrastructure bill, Senate to pass a budget resolution with reconciliation instructions before they leave for recess.
House
Bicameral Legislation to Update Food Labeling Introduced
On Aug. 4, Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Washington Healthcare Update | Aug. 2, 2021
This week in Washington: Senate agrees on infrastructure compromise, budget resolution with reconciliation instructions to be voted on.
House
76 Members of Congress Request CMS Guidance for States to Extend Postpartum Medicaid Coverage
On July 26, a group of 14 Senate and 62 House members wrote to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator
Senate Advances Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
On Wednesday, July 28, a bipartisan group of Senators, along with the White House, announced an infrastructure agreement. That evening, the Senate then voted to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed with consideration of the agreement by a vote of 67-32.
Every Senate Democrat voted in favor of the motion, in addition to 17
Washington Healthcare Update | July 26, 2021
This week in Washington: Infrastructure talks continue, Labor HHS Appropriations bill clears House Committee and is on the way to the floor.
House
Reps. Guthrie and Nunes Announce Panels as Part of Healthy Future Task Force
On July 19, Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Devin Nunes (R-CA) announced the Healthy Future Task Force’s five health
MWC’s Bipartisan Federal Team Delivers for Georgia-based Clients in Washington
In late June, President Biden endorsed the Senate’s bipartisan infrastructure agreement and discussions will continue over the next month on what projects will be included in the final package. Georgia-based companies, organizations and public entities have an opportunity to proactively engage with members to promote Georgia interests within the legislation. Georgia’s Senators are uniquely positioned
Washington Healthcare Update | July 6, 2021
This week in Washington: Senate in recess, conversations continue on infrastructure and administration’s health initiatives.
Bipartisan Bill to Alter Language on Substance Use Disorder Agencies and Programs
On June 29, Reps. David Trone (D-MD) and Lisa McClain (R-MI) introduced the Stopping Titles that Overtly Perpetuate (STOP) Stigma Act, which would change the name of several
Washington Healthcare Update | June 28, 2021
This week in Washington: Infrastructure deal struck, but it still has a long road ahead to passage; Senate Budget Committee discussed draft resolution with health initiatives included.
House
Cures 2.0 Draft Released
On June 22, Reps. Diana DeGette and Frank Upton (R-MI) released draft legislation that would create an Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health