RFK Testifies at Testy Senate Hearing: On Thursday, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee, confronted by all Democratic senators and leading GOP health policy voices. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), a physician, said Kennedy’s vaccine policy is “deeply concerning,” while Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) criticized CDC and ACIP actions that undercut the success of COVID vaccine development. Former CDC Director Susan Monarez released a statement on her firing and Kennedy’s testimony, saying, “Secretary Kennedy's claims are false, and at times, patently ridiculous.” Vice President JD Vance and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt came out in Kennedy’s support that evening, with Vance using expletives against critics.  

Republican House Members Introduce ACA Credit Extension: On Thursday, 10 House Republicans, many of whom are in tight congressional districts, introduced legislation that would extend enhanced tax credits for ACA coverage. Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), the bill’s lead sponsor, said Republicans “must be mindful of the impact” 2026 premium increases may have on their constituencies. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said his conference has until the end of the year to make decisions on health insurance policy.  

Senate Finance Advances HHS Nominees: On Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee voted along party lines to advance the nominations of Gustav Chiarello for HHS Assistant Secretary for Financial Resources and Michael Stuart for HHS General Counsel. Chiarello’s role will be scrutinized closely by Democrats, as his position would implement funding levels determined by Congress; members voiced concern in his willingness to fight against White House and OMB directives.

House Appropriations Advances HHS Budget: On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor-HHS-Education approved $108 billion in FY2025/26 funding for HHS — a 6% decrease from fiscal 2025. The vote fell along party lines, even as Republican drafters omitted certain cuts the White House had requested. The Senate’s bipartisan version of the bill advanced through committee in July.  

Lawmakers Introduce Home Health and Telehealth Extension: On Tuesday, Energy and Commerce Committee Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI) introduced the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2025, a bill to extend telehealth flexibilities and Hospital-At-Home care in Medicare through fiscal year 2027. The Senate version is led by Tim Scott (R-SC) and Brian Schatz (D-HI).  

CMS Makes Changes to AHEAD Model: On Tuesday, CMS announced changes to the Achieving Healthcare Efficiency through Accountable Design program, extending the program in target states until 2035. Changes will place non-ACO Medicare beneficiaries into “geographic entities” to assume downside risk, sharing in both savings and losses from the model.

Energy and Commerce Holds AI Hearing: On Wednesday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on AI products’ place in the healthcare system. Several members echoed panelists’ belief that AI systems can improve care and better collate patient data and history, however, they expressed potential privacy concerns. Panelists also encouraged policy to modernize FDA regulatory authorities, saying that the agency has done well with their guidance, but lacks certain implementation jurisdiction.

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