We all know this time of year is crazy with holiday parties, shopping for gifts, and getting ready to host or travel to see family or friends. It’s no exception in Washington, where lawmakers are racing to wrap up year-end business and prepare to transition to the new Congress and new administration. So, let’s get into it; welcome to the Week Ahead!
The Administration
Medicaid Waiver Race
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is checking its list and checking it twice to find out which states will get new or amendments to existing Medicaid waivers approved before the new administration comes to town. We expect HHS to get through as many of the 37 requests from 34 states as possible, especially those the incoming Trump administration might deny. For example, both California and Washington waivers are trying to protect reproductive health and family planning services (see more at KFF).
Trump Picks Anti-Trust Chief
President-elect Trump has chosen Gail Slater, an aide to Vice President-elect Vance, to serve as the head of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice (DOJ). Ms. Slater’s pick is equivalent to a lump of coal for big tech as she is known to be a foe of that sector. This division also oversees mergers and acquisitions within the health care space. Her pick indicates that the DOJ, under a second Trump administration, may crack down on big health mergers. We are still waiting for Trump’s nominee to head up the Federal Trade Commission, which will provide another clue on how his administration might handle issues related to competition in health care.
The Senate
NDAA Likely on Deck
The Senate will likely begin considering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week. With must-pass bills like the NDAA, there is always the potential for lawmakers to engage in a little gift exchange where lawmakers agree to something in the NDAA in exchange for passage of something else, like a yes vote on a government funding bill.
Mr. Musk Comes to Washington
Elon Musk visited with lawmakers at the Capitol on December 6 to discuss his plans for the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Among others, he met with soon-to-be Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), the likely incoming Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME), and Senate DOGE caucus leader Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA). One interesting note is that Sen. Collins said she was “impressed with his energy and dedication.” That goes a long way since Sen. Collins, who is no stranger to opposing Republican administrations if she disagrees with them, will be someone DOGE will want to keep on their good side if they want her support for cutting government spending.
Senate Organizational Update
As the new Congress fast approaches, we are carefully watching for updates about the Senate’s organization in 2025. We are currently looking at a two-seat majority for most of the top committees. Additionally, the Senate plans to be in session on Fridays in the 119th Congress. That is a sign that Sen. Thune and the Republican caucus have ambitious plans for their new majority.
The House
C.R. Coming Together
Nothing brings Congress together like a government funding deadline right before the holidays. We expect the 118th Congress will follow the traditions of years past by passing a short-term Continuing Resolution (C.R.) to keep the lights on for the next 3 months. Expect a vote the week of December 16, giving the Senate and President Biden enough time to prevent a blue Christmas. We will also be looking for an extension of the Farm Bill, with a one-year extension looking the most likely. Fun fact: Congress last wrote a Farm Bill in 2018 (!) and has only been able to agree on extensions of that since.
Committee News
Both Republicans and Democrats are looking to get their committee leadership and rosters set for the 119th Congress, and the respective steering committees will soon decide the chairs and ranking members that will lead the committees in the new Congress. We are looking at new leadership at the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The race for chair is between Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) and Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH), while Rep. Diane DeGette (D-CO) looks to have the Health Subcommittee ranking member position in the bag. There are also many openings on the Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means Health Subcommittees. Assuming the overall ratios for the subcommittees remain the same; we expect 3 openings for the GOP and 4 for the Democratic party on the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee and 2 openings for the GOP and 1 for the Democratic party on the Ways and Means Health Subcommittee.
There You Have It
Although things are busy at this time of year, there are many opportunities to fill your calendar with holiday cheer. Check out some of these events in the D.C. area or look into what’s happening in your community. Make it a great week!
