On December 13, 2023, the House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing the use and regulation of AI in the U.S. The main discussion centered around how Congress could pass comprehensive data legislation to set a national standard.
We caught up with our associate Zach Schulz to learn what drives him and why he is so valuable to our clients.
1. What are some of the highlights of your career?
The primary focus of my career has always been centered around this question: What can I do to bring about the change I wish to see and help people? Running for the State House in Iowa provided me with a valuable experience. Despite not securing a victory, the journey allowed me to learn extensively about the needs of constituents and connect with a multitude of amazing individuals. During my tenure in Senator Grassley’s (R-IA) office, a notable aspect of my role involved managing constituents’ calls and correspondence. The direct interaction with constituents helped me gain a deeper understanding of their needs. Listening to constituents amplified the importance of our legislative work, making the process of passing legislation feel even more crucial and impactful.
2. At what age did you realize your passion for politics and advocacy, and what sparked that interest?
I’ve been interested in history for as long as I can remember, and so I think the jump from history to politics was natural. My interest in political advocacy began when I checked out a book from the library on how to impact change in your community, and it flipped a switch in me. I knew from that moment on that politics was where I wanted to be, and I’ve felt the same way since.
3. When thinking about work, what excites you?
Getting answers. I love to help clients by getting into the weeds of policy research and finding the answers to any questions they have. It’s the challenge of diving deep into the details, understanding the intricacies, and delivering valuable solutions that truly drives my passion for the work. The satisfaction of providing clients with the clarity and information they need keeps me motivated and enthusiastic about every project.
4. Why did you leave the Hill, what motivated you to join the private Industry?
Working for Senator Grassley’s office was an incredible experience; it was and is an exceptional office, and the work was more than fulfilling. Despite my deep appreciation for the work I did in government, I found myself seeking new avenues to expand my skills. I developed a profound interest in healthcare policy while working there. To explore this passion further, I made the
decision to transition to the private sector, eager to view healthcare policy through a different lens outside of the government.
5. What’s one important question that I haven’t asked you yet?
I would ask if I see myself finding a passion for a policy area other than healthcare. And to that, I answer that my passion for healthcare policy started as a passion for public policy in general. I find passion in healthcare because I found it’s a great avenue to help enact large-scale change that can help a lot of people. That doesn’t mean that healthcare is the only policy area I can do that with. I have recently found myself getting more into energy policy as well. So, I can see myself having a wider range of policy expertise in the future, but healthcare policy will always be something I love.
On December 12, 2023, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions held a markup of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act. This bill creates new resources, training, tracking, and education to deal with opioid epidemic.
Good morning from Washington DC where the weather changed from rain, to snow, to warmer temperatures and sun in a matter of 36 hours. The dramatic shift in weather cycles reminds us of the recently announced retirement of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Where else can you go from being Speaker, to being removed by your own party, to retiring all in one year? Here in Washington of course! Rep. McCarthy is not the only one to announce retirement for this term, and we do expect many more to leave before filing for another term. With the slight majority Republicans hold in the House, each retirement and expulsion (Santos) makes the holiday season more enjoyable for House Democrats looking to take control next session. In addition, we only have one week left of legislative business, and we still have no agreement reached on aid for Ukraine and Israel. Congress returns this week to what could be a very busy time! Welcome to the Week Ahead!
The Administration
President Biden continues to work behind the scenes with Senate negotiators on the White House supplemental request for funding to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. As previously mentioned, Republicans in Congress want to tie any aid for these countries to increased border security measures. The administration publicly stated reforms are needed at the border, but at this time, no agreement has been reached for foreign aid. President Biden will host Ukrainian President Zelensky this week. With time running out and House Republicans becoming increasingly skeptical of funding Ukraine, President Zelensky returns to Congress for a last-minute plea to the Senate.
In health care news, and in line with its priorities, the White House celebrated the announcement that the FDA announced the approval of gene therapies to treat sickle-cell disease via its statement. To address health inequities and improve on treatment of sickle-cell disease which disproportionately impacts African Americans and Hispanic Americans, the Biden Administration believes this breakthrough can save and improve the lives of millions.
The Senate
The Senate will welcome Ukrainian President Zelensky for a speech on the importance of funding to Ukraine. The invite was extended by both Majority Leader Schumer and Minority Leader McConnell. Behind the scenes negotiations will need to resume on border security measures to couple with potential funding on the war supplemental.
With an eye on health care for moving into 2024, the Senate will look to the following this week:
The upper chamber will look to conclude the year by finishing off its health care priorities, although they lack a bipartisan larger “package” which Leader Schumer expressed desire to complete this year.
The House
Retirement season has officially kicked off on Capitol Hill. Former Speaker McCarthy is leaving at the end of the year, Chairman Patrick Mc Henry (R-NC) is in his final term, and we expect several more are going to leave before they must file to run for another term. Many members are citing (shocker) dysfunction and just want to go back to their private lives. With one week remaining, major fireworks remain on emergency packages for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the border wall. The Senate continues to negotiate, but the Senate package still must pass the House and must include border security.
In the area of artificial intelligence, the House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on Wednesday leveraging agency expertise across the economy to position America as a leader in AI.
Health Care
As Congress looks to close its work for 2023, the House will be taking steps to move health legislation forward with an eye to positioning themselves going into 2024.
Each of the bills will be considered under the suspension of the rules signaling House leadership’s belief that the bipartisan bills will garner enough support to pass with the required two-thirds majority needed under the procedure. By moving the legislation with strong bipartisan support, the House leadership will be asserting a strong position on several health issues, including pharmacy benefit manager reforms and provider payments, as House and Senate are expected to work to reach an agreement on health legislation in 2024.
Beyond this public work on health care, we also expect work and conversations to continue behind the scenes, as leadership and committee staff on both sides of the Capitol work with an eye toward drafting legislation to address several expiring health care provisions and programs in January. As readers are likely aware, the House Energy & Commerce Committee moved 19 pieces of health-related legislation last week, including measures to extend the work Geographic Practice Cost Index floor, to revise the phase in of certain payment changes for lab services, an extension of expiring incentive payments for alternative payment models, and additional relief to help mitigate the 3.4% cuts in Medicare physician payments scheduled for January 1, 2024. At this time, we do not anticipate seeing a final agreement on these provisions before Congress adjourns in 2023, but it is expected that these other health provisions could be included in a legislative package in January.
Your insights are valuable, so please reach out with any questions or information. Please create a great week!
On December 8, 2023, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) held the second day of their December meeting. The Commission discussed payment adequacy and update recommendations for nursing homes, home health agencies, and rehabilitation facilities.
