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Healthcare Today - January 31, 2025

         

Kennedy Jr. Has Two Contested Hearings: On Wednesday and Thursday, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Appeared before the Senate Finance and HELP committees regarding his nomination for HHS Secretary. Democratic members were critical of his previous statements on vaccines and government health research, while several Republican members praised his plans to focus HHS funding and research on chronic illness. The most notable exchange came at Thursday’s HELP hearing, when Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) said, “I’ve been struggling with your nomination.” Cassidy, as the conference’s lead on health policy, is a critical vote potentially yet up in question.  

Lawmakers Introduce Doc Fix Bill: On Friday, a bipartisan group on the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced the Medicare Patient Access and Practice Stabilization Act, which would fully offset the 2.8% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect this month and boost physician payments by 2.5%. The bill is a near replica of the legislation included in the CR that failed at the end of 2024, as lobbyists were highly motivated to see Congress address the formulary cut quickly in the new session.  

Federal Judges Placing Pauses on Funding Freeze: Two federal judges quickly issued rulings to pause the OMB’s directive to halt Federal funding this week. U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan submitted a ruling to pause the action until February 6, and Judge John McConnell said the White House’s “hugely ambiguous” order and messaging may require further "voluntary recission" review. OMB rescinded the memo, but The White House says the president’s executive orders halting DEI, environmental, and other funding “remain in place and will be vigorously enforced.”

Sen. Paul Issues Subpoenas to Investigate COVID Origins: On Monday, Senate Homeland Security Chair Rand Paul (R-KY) issued subpoenas to 14 agencies as part of an investigation of the COVID virus’ origins. In a statement, Sen. Paul said he has sent previous requests to agencies requesting records relating to the origins of the pandemic and had not received responses, necessitating the use of subpoena power.

HHS Cancels Tech Advisory Committee Actions: On Wednesday, members of the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee at HHS received notice to indefinitely cancel AI and IT policy meetings. According to statements, the Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to HHS’ IT Office, is unsure if there are plans to restart operations with a new agenda. President Trump signed an order to rescind President Biden’s AI Executive Order.

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