HS Reorganization Backtracks on Select Cuts: This week, an interview with FDA Commissioner Mark Makary and CMS posts to USA Jobs indicate the health agencies are rehiring numerous positions after deep cuts throughout the spring. Makary said roughly 25% of FDA staffers who were initially dismissed this year have been reinstated, and the CMS Innovation Center is hiring hundreds of new positions for research on new reimbursement and care models. According to Politico reporting, employees who were dismissed have been told not to apply at CMS.

Senators Indicate Willingness to Push on Bipartisan Health Package: After reconciliation's passage, Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) have indicated a willingness within the HELP Committee to move a bipartisan healthcare package with failed bills from last session and newly introduced reforms. Chair Cassidy's Treat and Reduce Obesity Act and AAPM bonus extensions may be considered in the package, as well as PBM reforms as cost offsets.

Energy & Commerce Holds Hearing on Organ Donation System: On Tuesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing with HRSA and several organ donation stakeholders on HRSA's report from the Hope Network investigation in Kentucky. Dr. Raymond Lynch, chief of HRSA’s Organ Transplant Branch, said the key issue his agency will address is OPO education across health systems, which will prevent confusion between procurement and hospital staff. Members were also concerned with potential conflicts of interest in the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network and reports that legacy systems are not accessible for new partners.

FDA Seeks Input on Ultra-Processed Foods Rulemaking: On Wednesday, the FDA and Department of Agriculture released a Request for Information to establish a definition for ultra-processed foods as the White House budget office has been meeting with food industry stakeholders. The RFI asks industry for comment on a variety of topics, including manufacturing, ingredient labeling, and potential regulatory policies, and the White House has requested nearly $50 million in FY2026 funding for HHS research and rulemaking on food additives.

Senate HELP Advances HHS Nominee: On Thursday, the Senate HELP Committee progressed Dr. Brian Christine's nomination for HHS Assistant Secretary for Health. Dr. Christine will be a key figure establishing the duties and effectiveness of the new Administration for a Healthy America, which consolidates primary care, maternal health, pediatric, and environmental health offices at HHS.

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