Kennedy Jr. Removes Immunization Panel Members: On Monday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced he is removing all 17 members of the ACIP immunization panel. The day after, Kennedy announced eight appointments to the panel that advises the CDC on vaccine schedules, insurance coverage, and pediatric recommendations. New appointees include Retsef Levi, Martin Kulldorff, and Dr. Robert W. Malone, all three who have been vocal critics of mRNA vaccines.

GOP Senators Meet with Kennedy Jr. On MAHA Report Concerns: On Tuesday, six Republican senators met with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other Trump administration officials Tuesday to voice concerns about the Make America Healthy Again report. According to sources, the senators were concerned over pesticide criticisms and food additives having negative impact on the agriculture sector.

HRSA Sends White House 340B Rebate Guidance: On Wednesday, the Health Resources and Services Administration sent a guidance document to the White House with its formal stance on the 340B rebate proposition from drug manufacturers. The guidance may clarify HHS’ view on whether drug companies can pursue rebate payments to covered entities for 340B drugs instead of traditional upfront discounts on medications.

Sen. Cassidy Floats His MFN Bill: On Thursday, Senate HELP Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) began circulating text for his bill to allow Medicare to claw back money from drugmakers that sell drugs to other affluent nations at a lower price than in the U.S. After stopping Sen. Sanders’ (I-VT) version of the “most-favored nation” proposal, Cassidy’s version would reportedly apply only to a list of 50 drugs costing Medicare the most money.

Senate HELP Committee Releases Reconciliation Text: On Wednesday, the Senate HELP Committee released their reconciliation language that adopts House-passed language appropriating funds for the Affordable Care Act’s cost-sharing reductions. The bill would prohibit subsidies from states that allow coverage of non-elective abortions.

House Approps. Committee Marks FDA Funding Bill: On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee held a lengthy markup for its version for FY2026 budgets, with Chair Tom Cole (R-OK) hoping to pass the measure this week. House Republicans seek to advance major cuts to FDA, with a topline that mirrors the White House’s proposed budget. However, the bill would require a new FDA panel to help with AI-assisted drug development.