Congress granted President Trump’s wish, just in time for his 80th birthday, by sending him the immigration enforcement reconciliation legislation he’s been asking for. Now, President Trump has a new wish, a third reconciliation package to include defense funding and the SAVE America Act. However, Congressional Republicans have differing views on the likelihood of making this wish come true. So, let’s get into it. Welcome to the Week Ahead!
The Administration
The grace period for hospital price transparency is over, according to a notice published on social media by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). According to the notice, HHS has sent warning letters to over 500 hospitals for noncompliance with price transparency requirements since enforcement went into effect on April 1, 2026. The notice and warning letters make it clear that the administration is trying to show that they are making strides in improving health affordability. However, it’s not clear from the notice what additional steps will be taken by the administration to ensure compliance.
On June 8, the District of Massachusetts vacated the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee on new H-1B applications as an unlawful tax. The administration appealed this, and it has been temporarily stayed until a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. That stay is conditioned on the administration filing a motion to stay no later than June 18, 2026. Whether this fee remains in place has implications for the health care workforce, as many foreign-born physicians, who often fill critical gaps in the health care system, rely on the H-1B visa pathway.
The Senate
Reconciliation 3.0 is off to a rocky start in the Senate as Republican leadership disagrees on whether it is possible at all. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) shared that he remains open to the possibility, especially for additional military funding. On the other hand, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee Chair Mitch McConnell (R-KY) are more skeptical about 3.0, cautioning officials not to rely on a 3rd package to supplement lower funding levels during the normal appropriations process.
In non-reconciliation news, the first stage of the Democratic health care working groups has concluded. The three groups, focused on long-term care, health insurance, and prescription drugs, finished holding their open office hours and will next move to releasing Requests for Information and position papers on their topics according to our conversations on the Hill. These working groups are important to watch for what Democratic leaders may be looking to do if they retake the Senate in November.
Health Care Hearings This Week
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee is scheduled to consider several health care bills on June 17, spanning from organ transplants and drug competition to reauthorizing public health programs, most of which have House companions. Surprisingly absent from the list is S. 4189, the INSULIN Act, which would cap the monthly cost of insulin at $35 for patients with commercial insurance and was reportedly going to be included But don’t count it out yet, bill sponsor Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) recently announced that the legislation has reached the 60-vote threshold for passage.
Also on the docket for June 17, the Senate Aging Committee will be holding a hearing on China’s impact on seniors’ health, finances, and security with Commissioners from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission. The Committee has already held multiple hearings on the security of the pharmaceutical supply chain and the dangers of reliance on foreign countries, including China. Based on this, we expect the topic to come up again at the upcoming hearing.
The House
The House is out until after the Juneteenth holiday, but Republican conversations about Reconciliation 3.0 are still happening. Measures targeting fraud in public health programs are still being viewed as a pay for by some members. However, House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Chair Morgan Griffith (R-VA-9) told reporters that health care systems “need to adjust to the changes we’ve already made.” And then there are concerns from moderates and those in tight races about doing anything that could be seen as limiting access to benefits so close to the November midterms.
There You Have It
It was an exciting weekend for sports fans, as the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup finals crowned their winners. Here at Chamber Hill Strategies, we have strong opinions about which games we preferred to tune in to. So, have you been watching hockey, basketball, or both? Let us know. Make it a great week!