The Senate impeachment trial is scheduled to end Wednesday with a majority of senators expected to vote to acquit the president on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress.
With impeachment off the table, House and Senate leaders will transition back to their legislative priorities, including reducing out-of-pocket health care costs.
Media reports indicate the House Committee on Ways and Means on Feb. 12 will mark up legislation to curb surprise medical bills; committee leaders in December 2019 released a high-level summary of this bipartisan proposal. Among its other provisions, the committee’s plan would preserve the ability of providers and health plans to negotiate the appropriate level of payment for out-of-network care. The legislative text of the proposal has yet to be released.
State of the Union Address
On Tuesday, President Trump will deliver the State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress. The president is expected to highlight his administration’s commitment to lowering health care and prescription drug costs for patients.
Upcoming Congressional Hearings
Ways and Means will hold a Feb. 5 hearing on pharmaceutical barriers to medical cures.
The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis will hold a Feb. 5 hearing on overcoming the health risks associated with the climate crisis.
