It’s the week before Christmas, and all over Capitol Hill, members are racing to reach a government funding deal. And as 2025 approaches, we are also tracking activity of President-elect Trump’s nominees and advisors related to health care. So, let’s get into it; welcome to the Week Ahead!
The Administration
In a December 4 interview on CNBC, Vivek Ramaswamy shared his thoughts about his plans as a co-leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). In that interview, Mr. Ramaswamy shared how getting rid of improper payments in Medicare and Medicaid could help save hundreds of billions of dollars.
Both Republican and Democratic administrations have talked about saving Medicare and Medicaid dollars through various plans in the past. From changing how services are paid for under Medicare to how federal dollars are distributed to state Medicaid plans, there is no shortage of ideas. But the question is, will DOGE be different, and will the Trump administration take heat for proposing ideas that could be seen as cutting the programs?
The Senate
If you walk into any of the Senate office buildings these days, you will likely find more than mice stirring. You may even see some of President-elect Trump’s nominees, such as the nominee for Health and Human Services (HHS) RFK Jr. The pro-choice, former Democrat truly embodies the unconventional vibes we are already feeling from Team Trump 2.0.
RFK Jr. is set to meet with Senators this week. Can he win the votes of certain GOP senators who reportedly have concerns, such as Sens. Collins (R-ME), Murkowski (R-AK), and Cassidy (R-LA)? Might his views on the health of the nation’s food and skepticism towards big pharma sway any Democrats who have the same concerns? We consistently see Republicans trying to get to “yes” with the President-elect’s nominees and Democrats holding the lines on their concerns.
And don’t forget to watch Dr. Oz (and we aren’t talking about reruns). Even though much of the focus has been on cabinet-level nominees, Dr. Oz would have a lot of power if confirmed as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator (especially if DOGE starts looking at Medicare and Medicaid).
The House
All of Washington is checking their inboxes with care, with hopes that news of the continuing resolution text will soon be there. House Republicans and Democrats are still working on getting that deal (and themselves) out the door, but they have made a deal on another important question: what the House committee ratios will be in the 119th Congress.
According to a December 13 Dear Colleague letter from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), that agreement will keep the ratios similar to the 118th Congress with some notable exceptions:
- Republicans and Democrats will both gain a seat on Appropriations, Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and Infrastructure, and Ways and Means.
- Armed Services will decrease proportionally by 1 seat.
- Education and the Workforce will decrease proportionally by 4 seats.
The Chairs announced the 4 Republican members joining Ways and Means and the 9 Republican members joining Energy and Commerce. Democrats will be looking for current members who previously served on that body to fill their 2 open seats on Ways and Means, according to Leader Jeffries. We are still waiting to hear about who will fill the 5 open Democratic seats on Energy and Commerce. Democratic Members who have expressed interest so far include Reps. Deborah Ross (NC), Melanie Stansbury (NM), Kevin Mullin (CA), Jennifer McClellan (VA), and Gabe Amo (RI).
Also happening this week: The House Veterans’ Affairs Health Subcommittee will hold a legislative hearing on several pieces of legislation at 2:30 PM EST on Tuesday, December 17.
There You Have It
With the holiday season in full swing, our team’s been talking about our families’ holiday traditions, and we want to hear about yours. So let us know, and make it a great week!