The new infrastructure deal comes after months-long negotiations between the Biden administration and Senate Republicans fell apart. It includes roughly $579 billion in new spending. However, lawmakers in both parties expressed skepticism that the plan could secure enough votes to pass the Senate.

A bipartisan infrastructure plan is unlikely to pass the Senate by July. Democrats are likely to explore using budget reconciliation, but a recent parliamentarian ruling indicates they might be unable to attempt the process using the FY 2021 budget resolution.

Republicans offer a $928 billion counterproposal to President Joe Biden's $1.7 trillion infrastructure package. Leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and House Committee on Energy and Commerce seek information on developing a public health insurance option.

The Senate confirmed Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Several Senate committees last week examined issues of importance to essential hospitals, including telehealth, hospital consolidation, and the medical supply chain.

The Senate voted to advance the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator; a full Senate vote could take place this week. America's Essential Hospitals hosted a virtual Capitol Hill briefing in recognition of the association's 40th anniversary.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to meet with House and Senate lawmakers this week to discuss a bipartisan path forward on infrastructure legislation ahead of his fiscal year 2022 budget proposal. The Senate is expected to confirm Andrea Joan Palm as deputy secretary of health and human services.

President Biden's address to Congress focused on his proposals to rebuild and revamp the nation's infrastructure, including the American Families Plan.

Senate Republicans release a $568 billion infrastructure framework to kickstart negotiations. House Democrats and Republicans reintroduce opposing prescription drug pricing bills. A CMS decision delays advancement of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure's nomination for CMS administrator.

The president met with a group of bipartisan lawmakers to discuss his $2 trillion American Jobs Plan infrastructure proposal; other lawmakers have expressed interest in a less costly, more targeted package. The Senate Committee on Finance is expected to advance two Biden administration nominees.

The House will vote as early as tonight to extend the moratorium on the 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; CMS has held provider claims in anticipation of this bill passing. Meanwhile, lawmakers continue conversations on infrastructure funding and workplace violence prevention.

The Senate advanced legislation extending the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut; however, it is unlikely the House will take up the measure before April 1, when the cut is scheduled to take effect. The association submitted a letter of support for the LIFT America Act.

The House voted to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut, but the bill lacks support from Senate Republicans. The Senate confirms Xavier Becerra. A reintroduced bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals can maintain program eligibility while responding to COVID-19.

The House this week will vote on legislation to extend the moratorium on a 2 percent Medicare sequester cut. House Democrats unveil an infrastructure package that prioritizes funding for construction and modernization activities to bolster public health preparedness and cyberattack prevention.

With a 50–50 party split in the Senate, Democrats must remain united and rely on Vice President Kamala Harris' vote to confirm the nomination of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

The $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill would ensure essential hospitals receive the same level of Medicaid DSH payments as they would have absent the pandemic. Xavier Becerra's nomination as secretary of health and human services is expected to reach the Senate floor as early as next week.

Congress races to pass COVID-19 relief through the budget reconciliation process before enhanced unemployment benefits expire March 14. Senate committees hold confirmation hearings for Xavier Becerra as secretary of health and human services.

The House is expected to vote on a compiled reconciliation bill the week of Feb. 22. The Senate for the second time has acquitted former President Donald Trump of impeachment charges. House members are circulating a bipartisan letter calling for protections to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

House and Senate committees are working on the details of COVID-19 relief under the budget reconciliation process. The impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is underway; members of both parties have indicated they prefer a short and swift trial.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unveiled a joint budget resolution to advance President Biden's COVID-19 relief priorities through budget reconciliation. Senate leaders have yet to agree on an organizing resolution finalizing operations for the 117th Congress.

The second Senate impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump is expected to begin in early February, with Sen. Pat Leahy (D-VT) presiding. House committees with jurisdiction over health care issues add new members to their rosters.

For the second time, the House has impeached Donald Trump — this time, for his role in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. Law enforcement descends on Washington amid threats of violence surrounding the inauguration. The Biden transition team releases a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan.

Following the uprising at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, lawmakers completed their constitutional duty and certified Electoral College votes for President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President–elect Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, Democrats swept special elections in Georgia, giving the party 50 Senate seats.

In the first week of the new Congress, lawmakers will focus on certification of Electoral College votes and a Georgia special election that will determine which party controls the Senate. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was re-elected speaker of the House.

Congress' first actions in the new year include deciding how to conduct business with the continuing COVID-19 threat and certifying the Electoral College votes for U.S. president. In the House, lawmakers will vote to select a speaker.

The continuing resolution delays until Dec. 19 a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, lawmakers introduce a new, two-part $908 billion legislative proposal for COVID-19 relief, as well as a deal on legislation regarding surprise medical bills.

Congress indicates plans to pursue a one-week continuing resolution to keep the government funded at current levels through Dec. 18. A group of bipartisan lawmakers introduced a framework for a $908 billion COVID-19 relief deal, reinvigorating negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

Without congressional action, the government on Dec. 12 will enter a shutdown and $4 billion will be cut from Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. Meanwhile, negotiations are deadlocked on additional COVID-19 relief.

In the lame-duck session, Congress will focus on stopping a Medicaid DSH funding cut, averting a government shutdown, and providing COVID-19 relief. The House passed bipartisan bills to enhance research on minority health disparities, address the opioid crisis, and support trauma centers.

Senators re-elect their leadership teams, led by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY); the House will vote on party leadership this week. Senate Republicans introduce $1.4 trillion legislative package to fund the federal government for fiscal year 2021.

Lawmakers will prioritize funding for the federal government and additional COVID-19 relief. Join America's Essential Hospitals for a Nov. 18 webinar analyzing the impact of the elections on essential hospitals and health care policy. Registration open for our postelection Policy Assembly, Dec. 8–9.

With the arrival of Election Day, the next opportunity for a new COVID-19 relief package might not happen until after the new year. America's Essential Hospitals has opened registration for Policy Assembly, a virtual event scheduled for Dec. 8 and 9.

Responding to concerns raised by the association and lawmakers, the Department of Health and Human Services has altered detrimental reporting requirements for the Provider Relief Fund, including one regarding lost revenue.

A bipartisan House letter urges the administration to rescind harmful Provider Relief Fund reporting changes. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says an agreement must be reached by Tuesday to pass COVID-19 relief legislation before Election Day; the Senate will vote this week on targeted COVID-19 relief.

Congress is no closer to passing further COVID-19 relief after a tumultuous week of negotiations. Senators urge HHS to reconsider recent guidance on Provider Relief Fund payments. The Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett.

The House-passed $2.2 trillion COVID-19 relief package would increase Medicaid disproportionate share hospital allotments and the Provider Relief Fund. Meanwhile, Congress now has until Dec. 11 to pass its annual spending bills or agree to another short-term CR.

The Senate this week will consider a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown the day before the fiscal year ends. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asks committee chairs to draft revised COVID-19 legislation as she reopens negotiations with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on COVID-19 relief.

As the nation mourns the passing of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, attention on Capitol Hill is focused who will fill her seat and how soon the confirmation process will begin. Meanwhile, Congress has about a week to pass a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown.

Lawmakers have less than three weeks to fund the federal government through the November election before current funding runs out. The prospect of Congress advancing COVID-19 relief legislation before the election appears unlikely.

The Senate reconvenes and is expected to consider a COVID-19 relief package. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on COVID-19 vaccines. A bipartisan group of House lawmakers circulates a letter to HHS expressing concern about drug manufacturer attacks on 340B contract pharmacies.

Opportunities are dwindling for congressional negotiators to agree on additional COVID-19 relief legislation. During this last week of the August recess, essential hospitals should tell their delegations to urge House and Senate leadership to expeditiously address essential hospital needs.

The House took a brief hiatus from its August recess to return to Washington for a vote on legislation to prevent policy changes at the U.S. Postal Service. House leaders rejected a push to hold a concurrent vote on COVID-19 legislation that would extend enhanced unemployment benefits.

The Senate officially adjourned for August recess; House lawmakers will return to Washington this weekend to address postal service funding.

Democratic and Republican negotiators failed to reach a deal on the next COVID-19 supplemental package. After negotiations faltered, President Trump issued four executive orders and memoranda related to pandemic relief, but the legality of the executive actions could be challenged.

Republicans and Democrats have yet to make progress in negotiations on the next COVID-19 bill; the association shared essential hospital priorities with congressional leadership. A new House bill would ensure hospitals in the 340B Drug Pricing Program will not lose eligibility during the pandemic.

The highly anticipated bill would add $25 billion to the Provider Relief Fund and extend Medicare telehealth flexibility. It would not block the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation or delay the Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cut scheduled for Dec. 1.

Republicans and Democrats remain divided on relief measures to include in a fourth COVID-19 package; the association encourages members to share essential hospital priorities. An association letter to key congressional committees highlights the importance of telehealth during and after the pandemic.

The association calls on member hospitals to urge their senators to include essential hospital relief measures in future COVID-19 supplemental legislation. House committees continue work on COVID-19 oversight and fiscal year 2021 spending bills. 

As Senate leaders consider a fourth COVID-19 aid package, the president signs legislation to extend the Paycheck Protection Program. A bipartisan bill would ensure 340B hospitals maintain eligibility amid COVID-19, regardless of payer mix changes.

The House passed legislation to strengthen the ACA and is expected to pass an infrastructure bill authorizing $10 billion for hospital construction and modernization; the Senate is unlikely to consider the bills. The association responds to a congressional request for lessons learned from COVID-19.

Hearings are slated this week in several committees to examine the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders introduced a $1.5 trillion infrastructure investment package that would dedicate $10 billion over five years to hospital construction and modernization.

House and Senate lawmakers are analyzing and reacting to last week's announcement of new Provider Relief Fund allocations for safety-net providers; committees are slated to examine the role of telehealth and disparities as the pandemic has progressed.

The letter urges HHS to target COVID-19 provider relief funds toward hospitals serving a disproportionate number of vulnerable patients. The timeline for developing and negotiating the next COVID-19 supplemental legislative package has slipped to July.

The House passed a bipartisan bill on a 417-1 vote to loosen some restrictions on Paycheck Protection Program relief funds and extend the timeline for businesses to use the funding. The House and Senate are in session this week and will conduct committee work related to COVID-19.

Voting by proxy for the first time, the House is slated to decide this week on legislation to amend the Paycheck Protection Program to increase the amount of time small businesses have to spend emergency COVID-19 aid.

The House passed a resolution temporarily permitting proxy voting and remote committee work, as well as a new stimulus package. Meanwhile, more than 90 representatives signed a letter calling for relief payments for providers seeing a disproportionate number of Medicaid and low-income patients.

House Democratic leaders released a comprehensive COVID-19 legislative package. The association is calling on member hospitals to ask their representatives to sign a bipartisan letter on targeting COVID-19 emergency funds toward essential providers.

The Senate returns to Washington this week, with the House expected to return May 11. Congressional hearings this week will focus on COVID-19 response efforts, including testing. Meanwhile, several association webinars will focus on health care workforce issues related to the pandemic.

The House and Senate passed legislation to provide an additional $484 billion in relief for small businesses and health care entities impacted by COVID-19. A new bipartisan House task force will examine how to adapt legislative business and voting procedures to social distancing practices.

Negotiations continue on a final agreement, which is expected to include funding for small businesses, hospitals, and coronavirus testing. America's Essential Hospitals urges members to contact their members of Congress and ask them to support the association's COVID-19 priorities.

Senate lawmakers continue to negotiate the next round of legislation to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, America's Essential Hospitals, in a letter to congressional leadership, shared its priorities for the next COVID-19 supplemental bill.

House Democratic leaders seek to bolster economic aid and unemployment benefits, extend community health center funding, and increase workplace protections for health care workers and first responders.

House Democratic leaders are developing a fourth COVID-19 supplemental funding bill on the heels of a $2 trillion aid package the president signed last week. This fourth legislative package could include measures to enhance protections for health care workers.

After two failed votes, senators continue negotiations on a $1.6 trillion funding package to boost the economy and improve access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, House Democratic leadership unveiled competing legislation to provide relief.

This second supplemental legislative package to address the new coronavirus would increase the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) to states, require insurance coverage of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and visits, extend paid leave, and more.

Both chambers passed a bill providing more than $8 billion to combat the new coronavirus; House leaders now are discussing legislation to mitigate economic impacts associated with the virus. A Senate letter calling to incorporate social determinants into hospital star ratings closes tomorrow.

Congressional leaders are holding several hearings to inform their COVID-19 response and negotiating legislation that could provide up to $8 billion in emergency supplemental funding to respond to the outbreak.

HHS Secretary Alex Azar will discuss the president's proposed fiscal year 2021 budget at several congressional hearings. A bipartisan Senate letter calls for incorporating social determinants into star ratings. A new association work group focuses on the Medicaid Fiscal Accountability Regulation.

The Ways and Means legislation would preserve the ability of providers and health plans to negotiate payment rates through independent dispute resolution, while the Education and Labor plan would impose federal benchmark rates for charges of more than $750.

In its bipartisan proposal on surprise medical bills, the House Committee on Ways and Means would preserve the ability of providers and health plans to negotiate the payment rate for out-of-network care. Also, the president releases his FY 2021 budget plan, including $920 billion in Medicaid cuts.

As the impeachment trial ends, House and Senate leaders will transition back to their legislative priorities, including reducing out-of-pocket health care costs.

The Senate trial begins this week on two articles of impeachment against President Trump, for obstruction of Congress and abuse of power.

America's Essential Hospitals this week is closely following congressional health care committee efforts to develop a robust legislative package to stop impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding and extend funding for several expiring health care programs.

After delaying Medicaid DSH cuts and extending funding for other health care programs by five additional months, congressional leaders are expected to leverage the new May 22 expiration date to advance bills to lower drug prices and protect patients from surprise medical bills.

Congress approved and the president signed a fiscal year 2020 spending package that delays through May 22, 2020, a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

The package, expected to become law, would delay a $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments through May 22, 2020. It does not include proposals to reduce surprise medical bills or prescription drug prices.

Bipartisan Senate committee leaders released drug pricing legislation that includes a provision to eliminate $12 billion of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts over two years. House and Senate committees announced bipartisan legislation to end surprise billing.

Lawmakers have three weeks to agree on funding for the federal government and various health care programs, including Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments. The House resumes its impeachment investigation with a Judiciary Committee hearing.

The latest continuing resolution, which funds the government through Dec. 20, will give Congress more time to negotiate a longer-term agreement on government spending and relief from impending cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments.

The House is scheduled to vote on a continuing resolution that would extend federal funding through Dec. 20 and further delay a scheduled $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) payments; House impeachment hearings continue.

While lawmakers continue negotiations on fiscal year 2020 spending bills and prescription drug pricing legislation, committees will hold hearings on electronic cigarette use, state efforts to undermine reproductive health care, and the presidential impeachment inquiry.

Twelve spending bills must advance through Congress and be signed by the president by Nov. 21 to fully fund the federal government for fiscal year 2020.

A House vote on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019, scheduled for this week, has been postponed to allot more time for the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) to score the bill.

Essential hospital leaders will meet with lawmakers this week at our fall Policy Assembly amid government funding talks and drug pricing negotiations.

Negotiations continue on funding the federal government — and averting Medicaid DSH cuts — while House committees hold hearings and markups on the Lower Drug Costs Now Act.

Congress will focus on the looming deadline to fund the federal government and address the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding.

President Trump signed a short-term continuing resolution delaying disproportionate share hospital funding cuts to Nov. 22; House Speaker Pelosi launched an impeachment inquiry.

A continuing resolution to fund the federal government, including the disproportionate share hospital program, through Nov. 21 heads to the Senate; House Speaker Pelosi introduces a drug pricing bill.

DSH cuts will start Oct. 1 without congressional action; House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) is expected to introduce a drug pricing proposal; the House considers a stopgap government funding measure.

Lawmakers must act before Oct. 1 to stop the $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments, extend expiring health care programs, and fund government operations for fiscal year 2020.

The bipartisan deal averts a $125 billion cut to federal discretionary spending, raises spending caps by $324 billion, and partially offsets costs by extending a 2 percent cut to Medicare provider payments,

The House advanced a federal budget and debt limit deal before leaving for August recess; the Senate will consider the measure this week. House and Senate committees consider legislation to reduce prescription drug pricing.

The agreement would stop a $125 billion budget cut and increase defense and nondefense discretionary spending while raising the debt limit for two years.

A House panel marked up legislation to eliminate $16 billion in Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts, mitigate surprise bills, and fund expiring health care programs.

As Congress returns from the July Fourth recess, lawmakers focus on legislation to reduce surprise medical bills and prescription drug costs, as well as extend short-term funding for community behavioral health clinics.

Also last week, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions advanced the bipartisan Lower Health Care Costs Act and the House Committee on Ways and Means marked up five Medicare-focused bills.

A House-passed bill to extend funding for Medicaid programs heads to the Senate; the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions introduced the Lower Health Care Costs Act.

House and Senate committees this month remain focused on legislation to reduce surprise billing and health care costs. The House last week began deliberations on a $987 million spending package to fund many federal agencies for FY 2020.

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act would provide $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program. Congress stacks its agenda ahead of the July Fourth recess, focusing on health care funding, surprise billing, single-payer proposals, and drug pricing.

A House subcommittee hearing features testimony from an essential hospital on the importance of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital funding. The House is expected to approve a bill providing $385 million in annual funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.

A draft plan from the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee aims to end surprise medical bills for out-of-network emergency services, reduce prescription drug prices, and improve transparency in health care costs, among other priorities.

The Senate last week passed a new version of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019. House and Senate panels continue work to address balance billing and drug pricing ahead of next week's recess.

A bipartisan group of 300 House lawmakers sent a letter to leadership calling for a two-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts. The House will vote on a legislative package to expedite the availability of generic drugs and protect parts of the Affordable Care Act.

The House this week will take up legislation to protect people with pre-existing conditions and help generic drug and biosimilar manufacturers bring their products to market. A House letter calling for a delay of Medicaid DSH payment cuts has 286 bipartisan signatures; the deadline to sign is May 8.

A House letter calling for a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts has 178 bipartisan signatures; the deadline to sign is May 3. A House committee holds the first congressional hearing on the Medicare for All Act.

A letter circulating in Congress calling for a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts has gained more than 110 bipartisan signatures. The president signed a Medicaid extenders package, which includes a provision identical to the Advancing Care for Exceptional (ACE) Kids Act.

Hearings focused on rising drug costs and pricing transparency. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) reintroduced a measure to bolster consumer protections under the Affordable Care Act. Both chambers will return to legislative business on April 29.

Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Pete Olson (R-TX) are circulating a bipartisan letter to their colleagues calling for a two-year delay of an impending $4 billion cut to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding.

The legislation allows states to establish Medicaid health homes to coordinate complex care for children and provides $20 million in additional funding for the "Money Follows the Person" demonstration program, among other provisions.

The House also will mark up a dozen bills aimed at lowering health care and prescription drug costs. House and Senate committees move forward on work to address surprise billing.

Lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation to give states additional support for combating the opioid crisis by extending Medicaid's certified community behavioral health clinic demonstration program. Committees remain focused on prescription drug prices.

The president's fiscal year 2020 budget plan calls on Congress to significantly reform the two programs, including ending Medicaid expansion and changing Medicare uncompensated care payments.

Seven pharmaceutical company executives will testify in a Senate Committee on Finance hearing about prescription drug pricing practices.

The president signs a multibillion-dollar funding package and declares a national emergency, which now faces multiple court challenges. Two House Democrats announce plans to introduce Medicare-for-all legislation.

Congressional committees requested information from providers and health plans on balance billing practices and invited several pharmaceutical companies to testify in a hearing on drug pricing; congressional negotiators strike a tentative deal to avoid another federal shutdown.

As the president prepares to deliver his State of the Union address this week, Congressional committees remain focused on health care costs and threats to the Affordable Care Act.

Congressional leaders and the White House reached a deal to fully reopen the federal government until Feb. 15; congressional hearings this week focus on prescription drug prices and protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions.

The Medicaid Extenders Act of 2019 heads to President Trump for approval. Meanwhile, a new bill would limit the use of Medicaid to care for undocumented immigrants.

As the partial government shutdown enters its fourth week, the House has passed a bill to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act, which includes $385 million in annual funding for the Hospital Preparedness Program.

As the partial government shutdown continues, the House this week will consider the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act and a bill to extend funding for the "Money Follows the Person" demonstration program.

The 116th session of Congress convenes as leaders seek a deal to end a partial government shutdown, while health care legislation hangs in the balance.

House and Senate Democratic leaders vowed to pursue legislation to intervene after a judge ruled the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional; negotiations continue on a spending package to fund portions of the federal government before current funding expires on Dec. 21.

Ahead of the holiday recess, the Senate needs to approve the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovations Act, while both chambers work to finalize a year-end spending bill to avoid a partial government shutdown.

President Trump has agreed to sign a short-term extension of government funding for many federal agencies to avoid a partial government shutdown; House Democratic Caucus last week elected leadership for the next session of Congress.

The House Democratic Caucus on Wednesday will hold closed-door votes to elect its leadership team for the next session of Congress; Congress faces several deadlines as lawmakers return from the holiday weekend.

Senators of both parties and House Republicans last week began elections for leadership positions in the 116th session of Congress; after the Thanksgiving holiday, lawmakers will continue work to approve a spending bill by Dec. 7.

Next steps for both parties include choosing leadership for the next Congress and, for Republicans, accomplishing remaining legislative priorities while they still control all levers of the federal government.

Senators left Washington earlier than expected to campaign for midterm elections after confirming 15 federal judicial nominees and failing to overturn a regulation expanding short-term insurance plans.

As midterm elections loom, Congress sent to the president the federal government's first comprehensive policy response to the nation's opioid crisis; a bipartisan House letter questions outpatient payment cuts; and New Hampshire senators introduced surprise billing legislation.

Before recessing to campaign for midterm elections, the House wrapped up work on bills to fund several federal agencies, combat the opioid crisis, and fund the Hospital Preparedness Program.

The discussion draft addresses several patient care scenarios that could lead to surprise billing; Congress is expected to vote this week on reauthorization of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, government funding for fiscal year 2019, and a bipartisan opioid package.

Two senators lead a letter-signing campaign to stop the expansion of hospital outpatient department cuts; in a 99-1 vote, the Senate approves legislation to combat the opioid crisis and is poised to vote on a spending bill for fiscal year 2019.

The Senate is expected to vote this week on a bipartisan legislative package to combat the opioid crisis. The House considers legislation to roll back Affordable Care Act provisions.

Before starting the final campaign stretch, Congress returns to Washington to consider Brett Kavanaugh's Supreme Court nomination and to fund the federal government for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

The Senate passed a funding package for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments and now must reconcile its version with House-passed legislation.

Senate leaders hope to pass by Labor Day legislation to appropriate funds for the Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education departments; a Senate committee will examine Medicaid fraud.

Congress is expected to consider legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, fund the Department of Health and Human Services, and enable federal response to pandemic threats.

Bills to repeal the medical device tax and expand health savings accounts go to a House floor vote; a House committee advanced legislation that would fund the Hospital Preparedness Program at about $265 billion annually.

A Government Accountability Office witness and several 340B Drug Pricing Program stakeholders testified last week at a House committee hearing; another House committee marked up several consumer-driven health care bills.

The July 11 hearing will focus on contract pharmacies and a slate of 15 bills and discussion drafts related to the program; two essential hospital leaders will testify.

A new bill by Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) would impose a user fee for hospitals participating in the 340B Drug Pricing Program; a House subcommittee marked up hospital preparedness and graduate medical education bills.

The legislation, containing more than 50 bills to combat the opioid crisis, now heads to the Senate; it is unclear whether senators will pass the package or consider their own legislation.

Modeled on a program developed at essential hospital St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, in Paterson, N.J., the Alternatives to Opioids bill is one of 25 opioid-related bills the House passed last week.

The House aims to complete voting by the July Fourth recess, but Senate work on opioid legislation likely will continue into August amid a shortened recess.

Lawmakers previously aimed to pass an opioid package by Memorial Day; Committee hearings focus on the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the president's blueprint to lower drug prices.

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, which includes $385 million annually for the Hospital Preparedness Program, has been cleared for consideration on the Senate floor; Congress aims to vote on opioid package before the July Fourth recess.

Senate Democrats sharply questioned the repeated delays of a final rule on drug ceiling prices and manufacturer civil monetary penalties; The House continues to focus on passing an opioid package.

House leadership remains focused on passing a bipartisan opioid-related legislative package by Memorial Day, but recently indicated a June vote might be more likely.

Four House hearings this week examine the opioid crisis, as lawmakers work to craft bipartisan legislation; A Senate hearing focuses on oversight reports on the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

House and Senate lawmakers last week reviewed more than 60 opioid-related bills before heading into a week-long recess.

House and Senate committees this week will mark up legislation to combat the opioid epidemic with the hope of passing a bipartisan bill by Memorial Day.

Senate and House panels hold hearings on opioid and substance use disorder treatment among Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and how distributors might contribute to the crisis.

The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will hold hearings this week on measures to combat the opioid epidemic.

When Congress returns next week, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce will consider more than a dozen bills during its third and final hearing on the opioid crisis.

The final package, passed last week, included $4 billion for combating the opioid crisis and a $10 billion increase in HHS funding, but left out measures to stabilize the insurance marketplace.

Negotiations on the bill have stalled amid disagreements on certain provisions, such as including language barring abortion access as part of a package to stabilize the Affordable Care Act's insurance marketplace.

House Republicans this week hope to bring to the floor a bill to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year; America's Essential Hospitals CEO asked to testify during Senate committee hearing on 340B Drug Pricing Program.

Congress this week is focused on negotiating legislation to stabilize the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace and efforts to fight the opioid crisis.

House hearings will review legislation on enforcement measures to combat the opioid crisis; a new Senate bill would provide funding for prevention and treatment programs.

Republicans from both chambers work on a marketplace stabilization package; Senate Finance Committee Republicans plan to review the Internal Revenue Service's process for designating nonprofit hospitals.

The budget plan for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 proposes changes to the distribution of 340B Drug Pricing Program savings and increased funding to fight the opioid crisis.

The measure, which updates a continuing resolution set to expire on Feb. 8, delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for fiscal years 2018 and 2019.

The association continues to work with congressional leadership and staff to ensure a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts is included in the next funding measure; Senate confirms new Health and Human Services Secretary.

The measure passed by Congress and signed by President Trump Monday funds the government through Feb. 8 and extends the Children's Health Insurance Program six years, but leaves unresolved a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

As Congress focuses on Jan. 19 funding deadline, America's Essential Hospitals continues pressure to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts. The Trump administration releases guidance on work requirements for Medicaid recipients.

Congress returns from recess to focus on long-term solutions after passing a short-term bill to fund the government through Jan. 19; lawmakers push for delay of 340B Drug Pricing Program cuts.

The final tax deal includes the repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate, Advance Refunding Bonds and Private Activity Bonds.

Republican leaders hope to introduce the final tax reform bill early next week; a bill to stop cuts to the 340B Drug Pricing Program has 130 cosponsors.

Tax reform legislation heads to a House-Senate conference committee. Meanwhile, a bill to delay Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts could be included in year-end legislation.

The legislative priorities include a health care extenders package, tax reform, and a long-term funding bill. Also, bipartisan House legislation to halt 340B payment cuts now has more than 50 cosponsors.

The House passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; the Senate version of the tax reform bill includes a repeal of the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate.

The Finance Committee's "chairman's mark" is similar to a House bill, but forgoes many House provisions of particular concern to essential hospitals.

The bill delays disproportionate share hospital payment cuts for two years; House Republicans consider repealing the individual mandate through tax reform.

The CHAMPIONING HEALTHY KIDS Act extends Children's Health Insurance Program funding for five years and delays cuts to Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payments for two years.

A bipartisan Senate bill would fund cost-sharing reduction payments; Congress has yet to renew funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates premiums will increase 20 percent by 2018 and the uninsured population will increase by 1 million; 19 states and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit arguing that withholding the payments violates current law.

Senate and House bills to fund the Children's Health Insurance Program are similar, but the House version includes a one-year delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital cuts.

The federal fiscal year came to a close Sept. 30, ending a nearly yearlong congressional effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and bringing tax reform efforts and other health care priorities to the forefront in Congress.

Tuesday's decision effectively ends Congress’ current push to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act; a letter calling for the delay of Medicaid DSH cuts has garnered nearly 200 signatures in the House.

The bill would replace Medicaid expansion funding and private insurance subsidies with $1.2 trillion in block grants to states; the Congressional Budget Office is expected to release a score early next week.

Congress aims to pass legislation by Sept. 30 to stabilize the Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance markets and reauthorize several health care programs; three senators plan to unveil new ACA repeal legislation.

Lawmakers return from the August recess to consider legislation and policy related to the Children’s Health Insurance Program, market stabilization, and cost-sharing reductions.

Senate committees will focus on market stabilization legislation and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) reauthorization; the association seeks to attach to the CHIP bill a delay of Medicaid disproportionate share hospital payment cuts.

After Affordable Care Act repeal efforts collapsed in the Senate, the administration began considering options on cost-sharing reduction payments, but some lawmakers remain focused on repeal.

The Senate approved a motion to proceed, which is needed to open floor debate of a repeal bill; it remains unclear how the Senate will proceed.

Senate Majority Leader McConnell said he would bring up a repeal-only bill that includes a two-year transition period for replacing the Affordable Care Act, but three Republican senators oppose the plan.

Senate Republican leadership continues negotiations with Republican holdouts; a vote on the bill is expected before the month-long August recess.

Negotiations continue; areas of contention include the Medicaid per-capita cap growth rate and the phase out of Medicaid expansion enhanced funding.

A revised draft of the Senate bill was released to address some Republicans' concerns, but it made no meaningful changes to the bill’s Medicaid provisions.

A group of Republican and Democratic governors sent a letter to Senate leadership encouraging a bipartisan approach to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

Senate Republican leaders aim to submit a draft bill to the Congressional Budget Office early this week and vote on the bill before the July Fourth recess.

Senate Republican leadership recently indicated the possibility of a vote by the end of July, before the month-long August recess.

The plan would reduce funding for social and entitlement programs for low-income Americans by $1.7 trillion, including a $610 billion cut to Medicaid.

Senate Republicans stay focused on a strategy to repeal and replace the ACA; committees hold hearings on public health, Medicare, and chronic conditions.

A 13-member Senate working group made up of conservative and moderate Republicans now begins to craft its own version of the legislation.

Rep. MacArthur (R-NJ) proposed an amendment to the AHCA that would have allowed states to opt out of several important insurance regulations.

Lawmakers face an extensive agenda of legislative priorities, including health care and tax reform, and most urgent, a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown.

When lawmakers return, they could attempt to make additional changes to pass the American Health Care Act, legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

Talks of a deal to resurrect the American Health Care Act — legislation to repeal and replace the ACA that was pulled in March — are underway.

House GOP leadership pulled the bill due to inadequate support; the association now resumes its focus on other hospital-related issues, including DSH cuts.

The replacement plan would make steep cuts to Medicaid and leave an estimated 24 million more people uninsured, compared with current law under the ACA.

The American Health Care Act moves next to the House Committee on the Budget, which is scheduled to mark up the legislation on Thursday.

The House committees on Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means this week released their long-awaited legislation to repeal and replace the ACA.

Draft GOP text for legislation to repeal and replace the ACA leaks; a Senate committee is poised to vote on the administration's CMS administrator nominee.

Congress is poised to pass legislation that would include socioeconomic risk adjustment for the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and some relief from payment cuts for new hospital outpatient departments.

Lawmakers are closing in on negotiations for 21st Century Cures legislation and also working to complete a short-term continuing resolution to fund the federal government through March 2017.

The impending full control of government by Republicans is expected to kick start discussions about repealing the Affordable Care Act and passing entitlement reform.

Congress passed a bill to fund the government through Dec. 9. Meanwhile, 179 House members sent a letter urging CMS to stop mandatory payment and service delivery demonstrations.

On Sept. 27, the Senate failed to invoke cloture, which would have allowed it to move to final passage of the continuing resolution.

At stake is funding to combat the Zika virus, among several other policy issues that have kept the measure from moving forward.

While details are still being finalized, a continuing resolution to fund the government through early December likely will include funding to combat Zika.

Congress seems likely to pass a continuing resolution to fund the government beyond Sept. 30. Lawmakers also are expected to approve funding to combat Zika.

When Congress resumes, it will race to pass legislation to keep the government running beyond Sept. 30.

This week, the Senate votes on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. Last week, the House passed a mental health bill in a bipartisan vote.

To avoid a government shutdown, Congress might have to pass an omnibus appropriations measure if lawmakers fail to reach spending agreements by Sept. 30.

The Senate rejected a $1.1 billion Zika funding package, and Patrick Conway, with CMS, testified about the proposed Medicare Part B demonstration project.

House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee will hold a hearing on the National Trauma System. Opioid legislation cleared both chambers.

Senate appropriators pass HHS spending bill that includes 340B Drug Pricing Program user fee and instructions to HRSA to consider stakeholder input in final mega-guidance.

The legislation would incorporate risk adjustment for socioeconomic status into Medicare's Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program.

Lawmakers are expected to have a busy June that also could include agreement among House and Senate leaders on funding to combat Zika.

Panel approves bill that would add socioeconomic risk adjustment to Medicare's readmissions reduction program and avert some cuts to hospital outpatient departments.

The House and Senate are expected to vote on Zika spending. In other activity, opioid measure are set to go to conference and committees review Part B payment model and tax-related health proposals.

The House is expected to vote on several opioid-related measures, and 19 House Democrats sent CMS a letter of support for the Medicare Part B demonstration to reduce drug costs.

Lawmakers are in recess this week following failure of the House to pass a bipartisan budget resolution. Last week, House and Senate committees tackled opioids, disparities, and mental health.

Lawmakers continue negotiations to respond to the president’s request for $1.9 billion in emergency funding. Also this week, an expert from association member The University of Chicago Medicine will participate in a Capitol Hill forum on minority health disparities.

In a letter, two Senate leaders ask CMS to reduce hospital opioid use. The House Energy and Commerce Committee examines MACRA and marks up 12 health bills.

Lawmakers say star ratings fail to consider patients' socioeconomic status and could mislead consumers. House, Senate also work on appropriations legislation, Zika, Flint water crisis, and health tax.

HELP Committee finishes work on package of 19 bills, designed to complement the House-passed 21st Century Cures measure. The House is in recess this week.

House Republicans might not have the votes to pass their budget resolution before a two-week congressional recess. House committees take up opioids and medical liability and the Senate HELP committee continues work on its 21st Century Cures companion legislation.

Conservative Freedom Caucus opposes GOP budget plan; Senate-passed bill would combat opioid abuse; health committees work on mental health, Medicare improvement.

The House will consider a bill to prevent payments to providers ineligible for Medicaid and CHIP. The Senate will consider measures to fund opioid abuse and respond to the Flint water crisis.

Association responds to House lawmakers' request for comment on Medicare's new payment policy for off-campus hospital outpatient departments. Congress works on FY 2017 budget, holds hearings on Zika virus and opiod abuse.

Partisan politics follow Scalia death; House speaker to table entitlement reform until next year; congressional panels to hold hearings on HHS budget, opiod abuse, Zika virus.

Budget plan would improve Medicaid access and coverage and tackle drug pricing, but make damaging Medicare cuts; lawmakers examine Medicaid housing coverage, FMAP, 21st Century Cures, mental health.

House, Senate panels to examine rising cost of drugs, lack of transparency in the drug price negotiation process, and barriers to generic drug applications.

Senate Judiciary examines heroin and prescription drug abuse; Winter Storm Jonas delays scheduled House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on Medicaid FMAP

America's Essential Hospitals and two members systems host congressional staff for round-table discussions about how proposed 340B Drug Pricing Program guidance threatens vulnerable patients and essential hospitals.

Obama touts ACA successes in final address, calls for ongoing support of Medicare, Social Security. House Speaker Ryan prepares ACA replacement plan as GOP continues repeal efforts; Califf wins Senate HELP vote.

House returns from recess for largely symbolic vote on Senate-passed reconciliation bill that would repeal many ACA provisions, including Medicaid expansion; Senate remains out.

Budget deal includes a $3 billion funding increase for the NIH and $300 million for the CDC.

House and Senate lawmakers negotiate omnibus appropriations bill and two-year extension of tax cuts, but fail to provide relief on new Medicare site-neutral payment policy for hospital outpatient departments.

Congress debates omnibus appropriations measure, considers another stop-gap funding bill, as deadline for government shutdown looms.

Congress returns from Thanksgiving recess to must-pass bills on highway funding and appropriations; Senate leaders work on reconciliation package ahead of Dec. 11 appropriations vote.

Congressional staff continue negotiating omnibus appropriations package, which is expected to go to a vote by Dec. 11; Sen. Wyden asks HHS for update on progress of state 1332 waivers.

Letter from Senate Finance Committee leaders asks America's Essential Hospitals, other stakeholders, for comment on Medicaid transparency, quality, accountability

Senate plans to expand House reconciliation bill with full ACA repeal; Rep. Brady named Ways and Means chair; Republicans establish Medicaid task force.

President signs budget deal that reduces payment to new hospital outpatient facilities; Ryan becomes House speaker; Energy and Commerce Committee considers Medicaid supplemental payment oversight bills

The House proposes a budget deal with potentially damaging changes for essential hospitals - the association is fighting these. Paul Ryan expected to be the next speaker of the House. The Senate HELP committee examines mental health.

Letter to congressional leaders, signed by more than 100 hospital executives, calls for passage of bills to adjust Medicare readmissions program for socioeconomic status

House Budget Committee clears reconciliation bill that would defund Planned Parenthood for one year and make substantial changes to the Affordable Care Act. Outlook remains unclear for choice of next House speaker.

The House Republican vote for speaker will be held on Thursday, other leadership races postponed until later this month. Full House vote for speaker expected in Nov. Budget reconciliation efforts continue.

Congress will vote to pass legislation to avoid a government shutdown. Meanwhile, House committees are also working to pass budget reconciliation measures that would defund Planned Parenthood and make major changes to the Affordable Care Act.

This week congressional action is slow as lawmakers prepare for the papal visit. With a government shutdown only days away, lawmakers work to reach funding negotiations amid Planned Parenthood debate.

Planned Parenthood controversy continues to influence federal funding negotiations. Health insurer and hospital mergers are reviewed. Plus, committees consider abortion, Medicaid, HIT, and biosimilar drugs.

Planned Parenthood remains an issue in government funding. Congress considers hospital bills, Medicare Part B premiums, medical innovation, health care competition, and Medicaid fraud and abuse, vows to focus on mental health.

The hospital-related NOTICE Act was sent to the president last week. An ACA repeal vote remains likely for fall along with the potential for a government shutdown.

The Senate fails to repeal the ACA but will keep trying. Committees discuss HHS priorities and health care bills, including a bundle of hospital-related bills.

Sen. Grassley requested a hearing on recent 340B GAO report. House calls and clinical trials for Medicare patients each pass one chamber. Committees review Medicare hospital payments, HIT, and marketplaces.

Last week the House passed 21st Century Cures legislation with strong bipartisan support. Congressional committees are reviewing Medicare Part D, deadly diseases and HealthCare.gov.

GOP will weigh procedural tactics to repeal the ACA or propose tax reform; House vote on Cures bill expected.

Republicans will also continue to develop a strategy for undoing the ACA in light of the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the law last week.

The House will vote to repeal two major ACA provisions this week - medical device tax and the IPAB - and consider four Medicare Advantage bills. Health committees are reviewing mental health and HIT.

A total of $3.3 billion is marked for CMS, which is about $344 million below current funding. The subcommittee will consider the bill tomorrow.

The House could vote on 21st Century Cures legislation as early as next week, health committees focus on 9/11 compensation and health information exchange.

Topics include Medicare Advantage, the ACA's medical device tax, Medicaid fraud and abuse, and the Medicare appeals process.

Parts of the Cures package will now likely go to other House committees for review. The Senate will discuss NSA surveillance after recess.

The Energy and Commerce Committee is scheduled to vote on 21st Century Cures Wednesday, possibly including an amendment that would make changes to the 340B Drug Pricing Program.

House votes on defense and late-term abortions, while the Senate votes on the trade bill, faces pharma pressure on biologics. Health committees review 21st Century Cures and Medicare patients' chronic conditions.

The Senate takes up the House-passed budget resolution. Both the House and Senate are focused on medical innovation as the next major health push.

Congress plans for a final vote on a FY 2016 budget resolution, and House and Senate committees will review medical innovation initiatives.

Medicaid and Medicare reform remain a part of budget discussions as Congress continues work toward bicameral budget resolution. Committees review opioid abuse and medical device tax.

Congress will consider SGR legislation and a final budget resolution. Health committees will hold hearings on medical device tax, post acute care, Medicare appeals and audits, and the Affordable Care Act.

The Senate will vote on the SGR measure after a two-week recess. Both chambers also passed budget legislation before adjourning.

Congress will attempt to pass SGR and budget legislation by Friday. The SGR package includes a one-year delay of Medicaid DSH cuts. House Committees will hold hearings on 340B, heroin and prescription drug abuse, and Medicare Fraud. The Senate HELP Committee will hold a hearing on patient research.

The House's bipartisan bill will face a tough road in the Senate. Budget negotiations are also under way, to be completed this month.

Senate HELP Committee to examine changes that could improve FDA process without compromising safety

Congress must pass a homeland security spending bill this week, and health insurance marketplaces are under scrutiny as oral arguments in the King v. Burwell Supreme Court case begin.

Slow week for health care work as Department of Homeland Security funding demands lawmakers' attention

Including trauma and drug-related bills, CHIP funding extensions, and homeland security

Plus, senators are concerned with the CMS rating system for Medicare Advantage plans.

The budget would extend Medicaid DSH cuts another year and reduce Medicare payments for outpatient services, medical education, and bad debt, among other threats to essential hospitals.

Also on tap is a Senate vote on homeland security funding that would bar legal status for undocumented immigrants and President Obama's 2016 budget

Also under consideration is legislation addressing human trafficking, immigration, and border security

Obama delivers annual address; House considers an abortion ban, natural gas permits, and SGR; and Senate considers the Keystone Pipeline and definition of full time.

Congress meets this week to pass Keystone Pipeline legislation and Homeland Security funding, considers immigration and veterans' mental health.

Congress convenes with a new Republican majority in the Senate. The House will vote on the ACA 40-hour work week, veterans legislation and the Keystone pipeline. The Senate will elect committee chairs.