Updated Client Resources

Sirona Strategies maintains several policy resources through our client portal and updates them on a regular basis. This week, we updated our Congressional Committee Tracker, reflecting various Committee and Subcommittee assignments for the 118th Congress. Congressional Committee Tracker

What’s Ahead: This Week

Hearings and Markups –

  • Monday, January 30
    • House Committee on Rules, “Meeting on H.J. Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020), H.R. 139 (SHOW UP Act), H.R. 382 (Pandemic is Over Act), and H.R. 497 (Freedom for Health Care Workers Act).” Additional information
  • Tuesday, January 31
    • House Energy & Commerce Committee, “Full Committee Organizational Meeting for the 118thAdditional information
  • Wednesday, February 1
    • House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, “Federal Pandemic Spending: A Prescription for Waste, Fraud, and Abuse.” Additional information
    • House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health, “Legislative Hearing – Lives Worth Living: Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis, Protecting Critical Lifelines, and Combatting Discrimination Against Those with Disabilities.” Additional information
    • House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, “Challenges and Opportunities to Investigating the Origins of Pandemics and Other Biological Events.” Additional information

Notable Policy Events –

  • Monday, January 30
    • Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC), “Annual Report Workgroup.” Additional information
  • Tuesday, January 31
    • Bipartisan Policy Center, “Making Food and Nutrition Security a SNAP.” Additional information
    • National Association of Community Health Centers, “Treating Substance/Opioid Use Disorders via Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Community Health.” Additional information
    • Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), “PCORI 2023 & Beyond: Opportunities for Funding and Involvement in Patient-Centered Research.” Additional information
    • S. News & World Report, “Code Red: How Health Care Systems can Alleviate the Nursing Crisis.” Additional information
  • Wednesday, February 1
    • Axios, “News Shapers featuring Reps. Barragan (D-CA), Clyburn (D-SC), Mace (R-SC) and Sen. Tillis (R-NC).” Additional information
    • Center for Health Care Strategies, “The Road to Accountability: Promising Practices to Foster Meaningful Health System and Community Partnerships.” Additional information
    • National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, “Unequal Treatment Revisited: The Current State of Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care.” Additional information
    • National Nurse-Led Care Consortium, “SDOH Screening & Referrals to Support Diabetes Control.” Additional information
  • Thursday, February 2
    • CMS, “Eligible Clinician eCQM Education & Outreach: Measure Specific Webinar.” Additional information
    • Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, “Building Partnerships for Better Health: Launching North Carolina’s State Transformation Collaborative.” Additional information
  • Friday, February 3
    • Health Affairs, “Rational Health Care Spending Growth: Can We Get There From Here?” Additional information

Weekly Wrap-Up: Notable Health Care Developments from Last Week

Medicare & Medicaid –

  • On January 23, CMS released a manufacturer guidance that addresses the impact of certain changes on pricing metrics for drug manufacturer covered outpatient drugs required to be reported under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. Guidance
  • Also on January 23, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued guidance to enable federal and state governmental agencies, as well as their partners, to make Medicaid enrollment calls and send text messages without violating robocall and robotext prohibitions. Guidance
  • On January 24, HHS released a report showing the estimated cost savings coming to Medicare beneficiaries given the Inflation Reduction Act’s provision of capping the cost of insulin at $35 for a month’s supply. This provision will go into effect July 1, 2023. Press Release Report White House Statement
  • On January 25, CMS published a notice soliciting nominations for the Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education, which advises and makes recommendations on opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of consumer education strategies concerning Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. Comments are due by February 2, 2023. Notice
  • On January 26, CMS approved California’s Medicaid and CHIP section 1115 demonstration amendment which will provide a set of pre-release services and improve access to care for people returning home from jails and prisons. Approval Press Release
  • Also on January 26, CMS updated the Open Payments Search Tool to reflect changes to the data displayed on payments made by drug and medical device companies to physicians, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses and teaching hospitals since the last publication in June 2022. Tool
  • Also on January 26, HHS released a report that summarizes the identified practices of the Medicaid Reentry Stakeholder Group and informs design of a demonstration opportunity to improve care transitions for certain individuals who are soon-to-be former inmates of a public institution. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on January 26, CMS released a notice on updates to the CMS Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) code set form and the emergency ambulance transports and beneficiary signature. The information required in this notice is needed to help ensure that services were rendered and were rendered as billed. Notice
  • Also on January 26, CMS released a summary of highlights of the agency’s accomplishments in 2022. CMS 2022 Accomplishments
  • Also on January 26, CMS announced the release of an online training course and a series of resources that offer strategies and information on self-direction, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and strategies emerging from CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative. Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Strengthening the Direct Service Workforce in Rural Areas The Self-direction Briefing Paper Series Emerging Strategies for States
  • Also on January 26, CMS released guidance for Rural Emergency Hospitals (REH), outlining requirements on delivery of care, the conversion process for eligible facilities, survey guidelines, and the Conditions of Participation that facilities must meet to participate in the Medicare Program. Guidance
  • On January 27, CMS released a State Health Official (SHO) letter outlining new requirements in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 that impact state activities for the Medicaid and CHIP programs to unwind from the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Letter
  • Also on January 27, CMS released information on a temporary Exceptional Circumstances Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for consumers losing Medicaid or CHIP coverage due to unwinding of the Medicaid continuous enrollment condition from the COVID-19 PHE. FAQs

Marketplaces & Coverage–

  • On January 23, House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chair Comer (R-KY) sent a letter to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) about waste, fraud, and abuse in the Federal Health Benefits Program. Letter Press Release
  • On January 25, HHS announced that more than 16.3 million people selected an ACA Marketplace health plan during the 2023 Marketplace Open Enrollment Period. Press Release Fact Sheet White House Statement
  • On January 26, CMS released a notice on data collection to support eligibility determinations for small businesses in the Small Business Health Options Program, as well as CMS burden reduction and health informatics efforts. Comments are due by February 26, 2023. Notice

Payment & Delivery System Models –

  • On January 24, CMS released the second interim evaluation report of the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration, which tests whether cost-based reimbursement for Medicare inpatient services can increase the financial viability of small rural hospitals. Evaluation Report Two-Page Summary
  • On January 26, CMS announced that the January 2023 Pre-Implementation Performance Report (PIPR) is now available to download from the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) for the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model. iQIES
  • On January 27, CMS released the year seven evaluation report of the Independence at Home (IAH) demonstration, which is a test of if a payment incentive for providing home-based primary care reduces health care spending and improves the quality of care for eligible fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. Report in Brief Report

Public Health Prevention, Surveillance & Data –

  • COVID-19 Data: To date, there are 102,171,644 total COVID-19 cases and 1,103,615 COVID-19 deaths in the United States. Also, 953,826,425 COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered and 668,814,259 individual COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered. Data
  • FDA Action Update: To date, FDA has authorized 443 tests under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs), including 298 molecular tests, 85 antibody tests and 59 antigen tests. FDA also continues to update COVID-19 FAQs.
  • On January 24, CDC launched a website to allow consumers to search for free COVID-19 testing sites near them, through the CDC Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program. Press Release Website
  • Also on January 24, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report which found that HHS provided $75 billion in pandemic relief funding to the CDC, Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Indian Health Service, and Office of Minority Health. Funding specifically supported communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Report
  • On January 25, CDC released a study finding that a bivalent mRNA booster dose for COVID-19 provided additional protection against symptomatic XBB/XBB.1.5 infection for at least the first three months after vaccination in persons who had previously received two to four monovalent vaccine doses. Report
  • Also on January 25, the HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report which found that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) did not effectively monitor or take timely action to address grant awardee EcoHealth Alliance’s (which oversaw funds to the Wuhan Institute of Virology) compliance with some requirements. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on January 25, Sens. Warren (D-MA) and Welch (D-VT) sent a letter to Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel expressing concern amid reports that Moderna plans to increase the price of its COVID-19 vaccine in 2023. Letter Press Release
  • On January 26, FDA released a briefing document for the meeting of the Vaccines and Related Biotechnology Product Advisory Committee on future vaccination regimens addressing COVID-19. The Committee voted to recommend replacing the originally authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen with the bivalent version of the vaccine. Briefing Document
  • Also on January 26, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) sent a letter to Pfizer President and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, concerning the manipulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for the company’s profit. Letter Press Release

Health IT, Privacy, & Digital Health –

  • On January 24, the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) Task Force, which was formed by the National Science Foundation and White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), released its final report with a roadmap for standing up a national research infrastructure that would broaden access to resources for artificial intelligence (AI) research and development. Report Press Release
  • On January 25, the Sequoia Project, the Recognized Coordinating Entity (RCE) by the ONC to support the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), released updated versions of the Qualified Health Information Network (QHIN) Onboarding & Designation Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the QHIN Application. QHIN Onboarding & Designation SOP QHIN Application
  • On January 26, ONC released a data brief on the current state of interoperability and methods of information exchange among hospitals as of 2021. Overview Data Brief

Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Policy –

  • On January 24, HRSA Administrator Johnson announced a $2.5 million grant to the Charles Drew University (CDU) College of Medicine to support the integration of mental health care into primary care training. This funding is part of the grants provided by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Press Release
  • On January 25, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a roundtable on technology firms facilitating the trafficking of fentanyl. Roundtable
  • On January 26, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced funding opportunities for two grant programs aimed at preventing substance misuse and treating substance use disorder (SUD) among pregnant and postpartum women in the United States. Notice

Prescription Drugs, Medical Devices, and Biomedical Research –

  • On January 23, the FDA released guidance on several topics relevant to clinical research related to the development of human drugs containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds. Guidance Press Release
  • On January 25, Sen. Warren (D-MA) sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) urging the agency to closely scrutinize two pending big pharmaceutical mergers: Amgen and Horizon Therapeutics, and Indivior and Opiant. The letter expresses concern over the consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry and its impact on drug affordability and access. Letter Press Release
  • On January 26, the FDA announced it will not be regulating cannabidiol (CBD) as a dietary supplement, and that a new regulatory pathway for CBD products is needed that balances individuals’ desire for access to CBD products with the regulatory oversight needed to manage risks. Announcement
  • On January 27, Reps. Pressley (D-MA), Clark (D-MA), Trahan (D-MA) and Sen. Warren (D-MA) sent a letter Johnson & Johnson regarding the shortage of infant and children’s Tylenol and Motrin in Massachusetts and across the country. Letter Press Release

Veterans Health and Military Health –

  • On January 23, President Biden announced his intent to nominate Joshua Jacobs for Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Press Release
  • Also on January 23, Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chair Tester (D-MT) announced his top priorities for the committee during his second term as Chair. Press Release
  • On January 24, the VA OIG released a report on an inspection that was conducted to assess allegations related to the mental health care of a patient at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Report in Brief Report
  • On January 25, the VA OIG released a report on a health care inspection that was conducted to assess an allegation that a patient received poor care in the Emergency Department at the Baltimore VA Medical Center in Maryland. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on January 25, the VA OIG released a report on a health care inspection that was conducted to assess concerns regarding a primary care provider potentially falsifying blood pressure readings at the North Las Vegas VA Medical Center in Nevada. Report in Brief Report
  • On January 26, the VA announced that it permanently housed 40,401 homeless Veterans. This exceeded the department’s goal to house 38,000 Veterans in 2022 by 6.3 percent. Press Release
  • Also on January 26, the VA OIG released a report on a health care inspection that was conducted to review an allegation of abuse and quality of care concerns for a patient at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center and the Miles City Community Living Center in Montana. Report in Brief Report
  • Also on January 26, Sen. Daines (R-MT) sent a letter to VA Secretary McDonough and VA Inspector General Missal concerning the VA’s Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. Letter Press Release

Health Systems & Health Care Workforce –

  • On January 23, Sens. Wyden (D-OR) and Merkley (D-OR) announced that Cascades East Family Medicine Residency Program, a partnership between Oregon Health & Science University and Sky Lakes Medical Center, will receive additional physician resident training slots in July to expand the Southern Oregon health care work force. Press Release
  • On January 25, NIH issued a notice announcing updates to the existing regulation for NIH Loan Repayment Programs (LRPs). Notice

Population Health, Public Health & Health Equity –

  • On January 24, HHS released a report on program participation in the U.S. social safety net. Report
  • Also on January 24, the Biden Administration released the Federal Evidence Agenda on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Equity. The agenda provides a roadmap to help federal agencies ensure they are collecting needed data and evidence to improve the lives of LGBTQI+ Americans. Agenda Press Release
  • Also on January 24, HRSA released an information comment request (ICR) on the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. Comments are due by March 27, 2023. ICR
  • Also on January 24, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force issued a draft recommendation statement on screening children for lipid disorders. Recommendation
  • Also on January 24, the CDC released a report on the use of sleep medication in adults. Report
  • Also on January 24, the FDA published draft guidance for industry on action levels for lead in processed foods that are intended for babies and children under two years of age, to help reduce potential health effects in this vulnerable population from dietary exposure to lead. Press Release Draft Guidance
  • On January 25, HHS announced it is investing $139 million for the Fiscal Year 2023 Special Diabetes Program for Indians to provide diabetes prevention and treatment services for American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Press Release
  • On January 26, CDC announced it is extending the deadline for a request for information on the update to the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation in Public Health and associated resources. Comments are now due by February 17, 2023. Request for Information
  • Also on January 26, CDC released a report on diagnosed allergic conditions in children in 2021. Report
  • Also on January 26, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published an initial set of recommendations to revise OMB’s statistical standards for collecting and reporting race and ethnicity data across Federal agencies. Comments are due April 12, 2023. Notice Press Release
  • Also on January 26, HHS announced that the Biden-Harris Administration’s Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders will launch a series of regional economic summits to connect community members directly with federal leaders and resources. Press Release
  • On January 27, the FDA announced it is proposing a change from time-based deferrals to assessing blood donor eligibility using gender-inclusive, individual risk-based questions to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. Notably, the time-based deferrals for men who have sex with men (MSM) and women who have sex with MSM would be eliminated. Press Release Draft Recommendations
  • Also on January 27, HHS published a webpage with links to materials it has prepared as it leads work on how federal agencies and programs can meaningfully engage people with lived experience who have been affected by social, health, public health, or other issues. Webpage

Reproductive & Maternal Health –

  • On January 23, Williams (D-GA), along with 17 Members of Congress, sent a letter to three major health insurance carriers expressing concern about various Provider/Quality Incentive Programs, which raise concerns about the potential for criminalization of both health care providers and patients seeking pregnancy-related care. Letter
  • On January 26, Sen. Hyde-Smith (R-MS) and Rep. Latta (R-OH) led 75 Republican Members of Congress in a letter to FDA Commissioner Califf calling for the FDA to reverse its policies allowing for mail-order abortion drugs following a telemedicine visit. Letter Press Release
  • Also on January 26, President Biden issued a memorandum on actions the Administration has taken to support access to mifepristone, as well as additional actions the HHS Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall consider to continue to protect access to this medication. Memorandum

Misc. –

  • On January 24, the FDA issued marketing denial orders (MDOs) for two menthol e-cigarette products currently marketed by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, making it so that the company must not market or distribute these products in the U.S. or they risk FDA enforcement action. MDOs Press Release
  • On January 25, HHS OIG announced a multi-state law enforcement action to apprehend individuals engaged in a scheme to sell false and fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts. Announcement
  • On January 27, the Biden Administration announced new actions and progress to deliver clean drinking water, replace lead pipes, and remediate lead paint to protect children and communities. Fact Sheet

Legislative Activity –

Votes and Committee Activity –

  • On January 24, Speaker of the House McCarthy (R-CA) announced the Members who will serve on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Press release
  • On January 25, House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) named Rep. Armstrong (R-ND) as Vice Chair of the Committee, and announced Members who will serve on subcommittees during the 118th Congress. Press release
  • Also on January 25, Rep. Guthrie (R-KY) was named the Chair of the Health Subcommittee on the House Energy & Commerce Committee for the 118th Congress. Press release
  • On January 26, Rep. Buchanan (R-FL) was named Vice Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee. Press release
  • Also on January 26, Rep. Wenstrup (R-OH) was named the Chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. Press release
  • On January 27, House Ways & Means Committee Chair Smith (R-MO) announced the Committee’s subcommittee chair assignments for the 118th Rep. Buchanan (R-FL) was named Chair of the Health Subcommittee. Press release
  • Also on January 27, House Ways & Means Committee Ranking Member Neal (D-MA) announced the Democratic membership and ranking members of the Committee’s subcommittees for the 118th Rep. Doggett (D-TX) was named Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee. Press release
  • Also on January 27, House Energy & Commerce Committee Ranking Member Pallone (D-NJ) announced the Democratic membership for the Committee’s subcommittees for the 118th Rep. Eshoo (D-CA) was named Ranking Member of the Health Subcommittee. Press release

Introduced Legislation –

  • On January 23, Sen. Shaheen (D-NH) and 13 cosponsors introduced the Improving Health Insurance Affordability Act of 2023 (S. 8), which would expand eligibility for the refundable credit for coverage under a qualified health plan, to improve cost-sharing subsidies under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 23, Sens. Tester (D-MT) and Boozman (R-AR) introduced the VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act (S. 10), which would improve the workforce of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 23, Sen. Ernst (R-IA) and 25 cosponsors introduced the Protect Funding for Women’s Health Care Act (S. 13), which would prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 23, Sen. Ernst (R-IA) and 15 cosponsors introduced the Ensuring Accurate and Complete Abortion Data Reporting Act of 2023 (S. 15), which would improve the reporting of abortion data to the CDC. Bill text
  • Also on January 23, Sen. Daines (R-MT) and 17 cosponsors introduced the Protecting Life on College Campus Act of 2023 (S. 16), which would prohibit the award of Federal funds to an institution of higher education that hosts or is affiliated with a student-based service site that provides abortion drugs or abortions to students of the institution or to employees of the institution or site. Bill text
  • Also on January 23, Sen. Daines (R-MT) and 22 cosponsors introduced the Protecting Individuals with Down Syndrome Act (S. 18), which would prohibit discrimination by abortion against an unborn child on the basis of Down syndrome. On January 24, Rep. Estes (R-KS) and nine cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the House (H.R. 461). Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 23, Sens. Feinstein (D-CA), Padilla (D-CA), Klobuchar (D-MN), and Shaheen (D-NH) introduced the Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act (S. 24), which would authorize a grant program within HRSA for housing programs that offer comprehensive services and intensive case management for homeless individuals and families. On January 25, Reps. Lieu (D-CA), Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), and Garcia (D-CA) introduced companion legislation in the House (H.R. 516). Bill text Press release
  • On January 24, Rep. Bishop (R-NC) and nine cosponsors introduced the Allowing Military Exemptions, Recognizing Individual Concerns About New Shots (AMERICANS) Act of 2023 (H.R. 453), which would provide remedies to members of the Armed Forces discharged or subject to adverse action under the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Sen. Cruz (R-TX) and 18 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 29). Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Carter (R-GA) introduced the Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act (H.R. 456), which would amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to limitations on exclusive approval or licensure of orphan drugs. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 24, Reps. Eshoo (D-CA) and Jacobs (D-CA) introduced the Secure Access for Essential Reproductive (SAFER) Health Act (H.R. 459), which would ensure the privacy of pregnancy termination or loss information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy regulations and the HITECH Act. Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Griffith (R-VA) and 24 cosponsors introduced the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act (H.R. 467), which would amend the Controlled Substances Act with respect to the scheduling of fentanyl-related substances. Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Guthrie (R-KY) and 21 bipartisan cosponsors introduced the Building America’s Health Care Workforce Act (H.R. 468), which would extend beyond the COVID-19 emergency period, with certain modifications, the Emergency Declaration Blanket Waiver relating to training and certification of nurse aides to alleviate burdens imposed on staff of skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 24, Reps. Joyce (R-OH), Ross (D-NC), Brown (D-OH), and Turner (R-OH) introduced the Fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2023 (H.R. 472), which would propose a program for making treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder available to public safety officers. Press release
  • Also on January 24, Reps. Miller (R-WV) and Chu (D-CA) introduced the Helping Households And Neighbors Distribute Services (HANDS) for Families Act (H.R. 476), which would allow community supports to meet specific needs of families and children through an electronic care portal under the MaryLee Allen Promoting Safe and Stable Families program. On January 25, Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Casey (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 73). Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Miller (R-WV) introduced the Community Mentors for Moms Act (H.R. 477), which would establish a grant program for community-based maternal mentoring programs. Sen. Rubio (R-FL) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 48). Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Miller (R-WV) introduced the Working Families Childcare Access Act (H.R. 478), which would allow for the inclusion of additional expenses in dependent care FSAs. Press release
  • Also on January 24, Rep. Miller (R-WV) introduced the Targeting Child Care Funds Based on Poverty Act (H.R. 479), which would target additional childcare funds by allocating to States based on the number of children in poverty. Press release
  • Also on January 24, Sens. Rubio (R-FL) and Romney (R-UT) introduced the New Parents Act (S. 35), which would make available parental leave benefits to parents following the birth or adoption of a child. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 24, Sen. Scott (R-FL) introduced the Let’s Get to Work Act (S. 39), which would modify work requirements under the supplemental nutrition assistance program. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 24, Sens. Tester (D-MT), Murray (D-WA), Brown (D-OH), and Warner (D-VA) introduced the Build, Utilize, Invest, Learn, and Deliver (BUILD) for Veterans Act of 2023 (S. 42), which would improve the management and performance of the capital asset programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs so as to better serve veterans, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Bill text Press release One pager
  • Also on January 24, Sen. Boozman (R-AR) introduced the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Absence and Notification Timeline (VACANT) Act (S. 55), which would limit the detailing of directors of medical centers of the Department of Veterans Affairs to different positions within the Department. Press release
  • On January 25, Rep. Reschenthaler (R-PA) and 16 cosponsors introduced the Defund EcoHealth Alliance Act (H.R. 494), which would prohibit Federal funding to EcoHealth Alliance, Inc. Sens. Ernst (R-IA) and Marshall (R-KS) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 84). Press release
  • Also on January 25, Rep. Duncan (R-SC) and 60 cosponsors introduced the Freedom for Health Care Workers Act (H.R. 497), which would eliminate the COVID-19 vaccine mandate on health care providers furnishing items and services under certain Federal health care programs. Press release
  • Also on January 25, Reps. Obernolte (R-CA) and Cardenas (D-CA) introduced the 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act (H.R. 498), which would secure the suicide prevention lifeline from cybersecurity incidents. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 25, Reps. Mace (R-SC) and six cosponsors introduced the Standing with Moms Act (H.R. 517), which would require the Secretary of HHS to furnish tailored information to expecting mothers. Sen. Rubio (R-FL) and 11 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation in the Senate (S. 76). Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 25, Reps. Mooney (R-WV) and LaMalfa (R-CA) introduced the Social Security Guarantee Act (H.R. 521), which would guarantee the right of individuals to receive Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act in full with an accurate annual cost-of-living adjustment. Press release
  • Also on January 25, Rep. Tenney (R-NY) and seven cosponsors introduced the Health Freedom for All Act (H.R. 526), which would prohibit the Secretary of Labor from issuing a temporary standard with respect to COVID-19 vaccination or testing. Press release
  • Also on January 25, Reps. Tenney (R-NY), Steube (R-FL), and Luna (R-FL) introduced the Health Freedom for All Act (H.R. 527), which would void existing non-compete agreements for any employee who is fired for not complying with an employer’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Press release
  • Also on January 25, Sen. Wicker (R-MS) and 46 cosponsors introduced the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (S. 62), which would prohibit taxpayer funded abortions. Rep. Smith (R-NJ) and 115 cosponsors introduced the companion legislation (H.R. 7) in the House on January 9, 2023. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 25, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Providing for Life Act (S. 74), which would provide support and assistance to unborn children, pregnant women, parents, and families. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 25, Sen. Rubio (R-FL) and 13 cosponsors introduced the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (S. 78), which would prohibit taking minors across State lines in circumvention of laws requiring the involvement of parents in abortion decisions. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 25, Sens. Blackburn (R-TN), Marshall (R-KS), Hagerty (R-TN), and Tuberville (R-AL) introduced legislation (S. 80), which would establish an Inspector General of the National Institutes of Health. Bill text Press release
  • On January 26, Rep. Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Elizabeth Dole Home- and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2023 (H.R. 542), which would improve certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs for home and community-based services for veterans. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 26, Rep. Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2023 (H.R. 544), which would direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to provide coverage for infertility treatment and standard fertility preservation services. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 26, Rep. Brownley (D-CA) introduced the Department of Veterans Affairs Continuing Professional Education Modernization Act (H.R. 543), which would improve the reimbursement of continuing professional education expenses for health care professionals of the VA. Bill text Press release
  • Also on January 26, Reps. Garbarino (R-NY) and Castor (D-FL) introduced The Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (H.R. 549), which would eliminate waiting periods for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Medicare coverage for those with metastatic breast cancer. Press release
  • Also on January 26, Reps. Pappas (D-NH), Newhouse (R-WA), and Gonzales (R-TX) introduced Save Americans from the Fentanyl Emergency (SAFE) Act (H.R. 568), which would permanently schedule all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Press release