It’s the dog days of the D.C. summer—and it’s been a historically muggy one and the second worst on record for the nation’s capital. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) rang the recess bells as the House broke for its August recess last week, and despite speculation the Senate may stick around, it looks like Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) will let the Senate follow suit in a few days. So, let’s get into it—welcome to the Week Ahead!
The Administration
The President departed Washington on July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) is busy forwarding the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) agenda. With obesity top of mind, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) will host a virtual event titled Exploring the Role of Physical Activity in Obesity Treatment, Body Weight Management, and Related Health Outcomes in Adults: A Workshop.
At the same time, the American Medical Association is urging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy to reverse course on reported plans to remove all members of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. In a letter sent July 25, the AMA warned that such a move would disrupt the task force’s evidence-based process for developing clinical preventive recommendations—guidance that directly shapes insurance coverage for services like cancer screenings and mental health assessments. The organization called on Secretary Kennedy to retain the current members and maintain the group’s regular meeting schedule to avoid undermining patient access to essential care.
The Senate
In the Senate, there could be bipartisan agreement in getting at least a few assignments done before the recess bells start dinging as senators try to approve multiple appropriations bills. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) is leading an effort to package various appropriations bills covering Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Commerce-Justice-Science, and Legislative Branch into one beautiful “minibus” bill that can clear the Senate. All bills easily cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support, and things bode well with the Senate clearing the way for consideration of the Mil Con-VA bill last week. However, as we reported last week, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Democrats may stand in the way.
On the health care front, Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pension (HELP) Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) is not pencils-down yet, having given the Committee an active agenda. On July 31, HELP will hold a hearing on “Making Health Care Affordable: Solutions to Lower Costs and Empower Patients.” While tax measures like the advance premium tax credits (APTCs) fall under the jurisdiction of the Senate Finance Committee, they may still surface in this discussion as part of broader testimony on affordability and access to marketplace coverage.
Cassidy has been working with Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) to lay the groundwork for a bipartisan health package, and the 4 health care bills that are set for markup on July 30, include the Over-the-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Amendments (S. 2292), the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act (S.2301), the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act (S. 2294) and the Uniformed Services Leave Parity Act (S. 1440).
The House
The House is out and departed swampy DC until September. Perhaps they are enjoying more enjoyable weather as they meet with constituents about OB3. (Yes, OB3 is one of the many emergent acronyms for the One Big Beautiful Bill!)
There You Have It
July 28 marks “National Milk Chocolate Day” so do yourself a favor and treat yourself to something cold and chocolatey today and…. Make it a great week!
