House Approps. Passes FY2026 Funding Bill: On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Committee held a lengthy markup and passed their funding proposals for FY2026 HHS-Education-Labor programs. Committee Democrats proposed dozens of amendments seeking to strike language regarding abortion, drug programs, transgender health, and so-called “poison pill riders” that hold little chance of bipartisan Senate inclusion. Democrats also sought proposals to reinstate dozens of cut programs across departments, as House Republicans followed White House interests to reduce funding by 10% across these social service administrations. The proposal includes a proposed 6% cut in HHS programs, but maintained NIH funding at about $48 billion while the White House called for a $20 billion cut.

Democrats Leverage ACA Credits in Funding Negotiations: On Thursday, House Ways & Means Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-MA) met with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, after which he said Democrat leaders are “on board” to demand GOP leaders include extensions of ACA tax credits as part of a continuing resolution deal. Schumer and Jeffries then announced a two-year extension will be their “starting point” for any negotiations, which carries a nearly $70 billion price tag. ACA insurance subsidies are set to expire on January 1. Bipartisan House negotiators reportedly began formal talks on the funding patch Wednesday night.  

HHS Releases New MAHA Report: On Tuesday, HHS released their Make Our Children Healthy Again Strategy Report, calling for greater Federal investment in chronic disease research, improving the children’s vaccine schedule, and addressing food additives. The report, part of HHS Secretary Kennedy’s key agenda, was less combative as perhaps expected, and was not delivered with any regulatory proposals.  

Trump Signs Pharma Advertising Order: On Tuesday, President Trump signed an executive order requiring HHS to crack down on direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. The order will address online advertising without proper disclosures, and officials said FDA will send out “approximately 100 cease and desist enforcement letters” to manufacturers.

States Diverge on Vaccine Policy: Amidst HHS Secretary Kennedy’s highly-covered vaccine policy moves at the Federal level, state governments on opposite ends of the political spectrum are diverging on vaccine proposals. Governors of New York, Minnesota, California, and New Jersey signed orders in an effort to protect vaccine access. Meanwhile, Florida Surgeon General is dropping vaccine requirements for school children before the year, stating his decision was a matter of government and medical ethics.  

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