Continuing ResolutionWith the current continuing resolution set to expire on November 21, Senate Majority Leader McConnell (R-KY) took procedural steps this week to bring packages of FY21 appropriations measures to the floor. The House has passed almost all of its bills, though notably has not acted on its Homeland Security measure. Elsewhere, the Senate
Hearings/MarkupsHouse Ways and Means Committee: “Investing in the U.S. Health System by Lowering Drug Prices, Reducing Out-of-Pocket Costs, and Improving Medicare Benefits”
The House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing on prescription drug pricing costs, as well as discussing the government drug price negotiation plan released by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), H.R.
Congress ReturnsCongress returned to Washington this week following a two-week recess and Monday’s federal holiday. Lawmakers are mourning the loss of House Oversight and Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), who passed away this morning. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) becomes Acting Committee Chair. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) also announced that the House Democratic drug
HouseBlue Dog Democrats Urge Speaker Pelosi to Call Vote on Several Bipartisan Drug-pricing Bills
On Oct. 7, the Blue Dog Coalition asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to hold votes on several bipartisan drug-pricing bills, instead of wrapping them into government price negotiation legislation, the same request Republicans are making to the speaker. The Blue
When lawmakers return to Washington next week, National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) conferees will aim to bring a final package up for floor votes in each chamber by mid-October. Facing a November 21 deadline, Congressional leaders and the White House will also resume discussions around FY20 government spending.
RecessThe House and Senate were in recess again this week; lawmakers will return to Washington next week following the Columbus Day holiday. On Tuesday, President Trump awarded the Medal of Freedom to former Attorney General Edwin Meese.
House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) announced today
HouseBipartisan Legislation Introduced on Accurate Provider Directories
On Sept. 27, Reps. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Kim Schrier (D-WA) introduced legislation to improve the accuracy of the information listed on health plans’ provider directories to prevent patients from receiving surprise out-of-network bills. The Improving Provider Directories Act (H.R. 4575) requires health plans to establish a
Hearings/MarkupsSenate Special Committee on Aging: “Promoting Healthy Aging – Living Your Best Life Long into Your Golden Years”
The Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing for seniors seeking to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they age. Find the hearing transcript here.
House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health: “Making Prescription Drugs
On Sep. 26, McGuireWoods Consulting senior advisor and McGuireWoods LLP partner Gregory S. Walden testified before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation on behalf of the Small UAV Coalition, to which he serves as Aviation Counsel. Walden, a former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chief Counsel, was invited to testify on the drone
Continuing Resolution, FY20 Spending BillsWith government spending authority set to expire next Monday and Congress scheduled to begin a two week recess after wrapping its work this week, the Senate today voted 82-15 to pass a House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to extend funding through November 21. The White House has indicated that the President