The budget reconciliation debate is intensifying in the Senate, with just four weeks remaining until the Republicans’ self-imposed July 4 deadline to get the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
Senate budget hawks are pushing for increased cuts to federal spending, and others are arguing against such cuts, especially to the Medicaid program. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) faces the challenge of unifying his caucus behind the bill to earn the necessary 51 votes. If significant changes are made by the Senate, the House will be forced to take up the package again that only passed their chamber by one vote, and the outcome of a re-vote is unclear.
America’s Essential Hospitals continues to engage key stakeholders and Senators , with a primary focus on the provisions regarding state directed payments and provider taxes.
Committee Activity This Week
The Senate reconvened on Monday, June 2, and the House reconvened on Tuesday, June 3. Both chambers will be in session through Friday this week.
The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a full committee hearing on Wednesday, June 4, titled, “Reauthorization of the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program.” Acting Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research and the United States Food and Drug Administration Dr. Jacqueline Corrigan-Curay will serve as a witness. The committee will also hold a nomination hearing on Thursday, June 5, to consider the following individuals:
- Penny Schwinn, Deputy Secretary of Education, Department of Education
- Kimberly Richey, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Department of Education
- Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employee Benefits Security Administration, Department of Labor
- David Keeling, Assistant Secretary of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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