The House returns to Washington this week, and the Senate will return Dec. 9. The House has only seven days left before its December break and only four days with the Senate also in session. Although there are many topics to cover before the end of the year, Congress’ top concern is whether it can reach a budget agreement or pass a continuing resolution to continue to fund the government next year. At this point, there is no indication the budget conference committee will come to an agreement before its Dec. 13 reporting deadline.
Next week the Senate Finance Committee will mark up legislation to repeal the formula for determining Medicare physician payments, which is based in part on the sustainable growth rate. The House Ways and Means Committee is also expected to mark up the bill but has yet to announce the date.
