House Republicans are taking action to fulfill their Commitment to America by leading on health care solutions that will have a positive impact on people’s lives. These policies include increasing price transparency in the health care system, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, strengthening treatment and prevention programs for substance use disorders, and providing support for mothers and infants.
One example of this leadership is seen in Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY), who recently hosted a roundtable discussion with community leaders to address substance use disorders and the devastating drug overdose epidemic. This discussion focused on how the SUPPORT Act can help in the fight against this epidemic. Additionally, the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee held a field hearing in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to examine the reauthorization of SUPPORT Act programs.
Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX) wrote an op-ed for the Washington Examiner highlighting the PREEMIE Act, which aims to improve the health of premature babies. This act passed out of the Energy and Commerce Committee in July, demonstrating the committee’s dedication to improving the well-being of preemie babies.
Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) met with ALS patients who expressed their support for federal research into new treatments for ALS. The committee recognizes the value of every life and is working to advance legislation that eliminates the use of ‘quality-adjusted life years’ (QALYs) as a measure of discrimination against individuals with chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) received an award from the Valley Professionals Community Health Center for his leadership in legislation ensuring the continuation of the 340B program for low-income and vulnerable patients. The Energy and Commerce Committee also advanced solutions to the Full House that would bring transparency and accountability to the 340B drug discount program.
Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) visited Sturgis Hospital in Michigan to learn about the challenges faced by rural hospitals and to share how the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act could improve price transparency, lower prescription drug costs, and support hospitals and healthcare workers. These solutions, which include increasing price transparency and reducing drug costs, have the support of the majority of Americans.
Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) visited Rush Memorial Hospital in Indiana to discuss rural healthcare and the committee’s efforts to increase access to care. The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act includes measures to fund Community Health Centers, which are crucial for patients in rural and underserved areas, and supports training programs to address doctor shortages.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) met with school and law enforcement leaders to discuss combating the illicit fentanyl crisis and keeping communities safe. Energy and Commerce Republicans are leading the HALT Fentanyl Act to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to keep dangerous drugs off the streets.
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) engaged with healthcare professionals in her district to discuss the committee’s efforts to improve access and options for Americans through various acts, including the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, PREEMIE Act, Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023, and SUPPORT Act.
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) visited Washington County Hospital in Iowa to discuss solutions to rising healthcare costs and expanding access to telehealth services for rural communities. The committee recently passed the Telehealth Benefit Expansion for Workers Act of 2023, which will increase telehealth options for part-time and seasonal employees.
Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) met with his Health Care Advisory Committee to address the challenges of price transparency, doctor shortages, and access to care. Energy and Commerce Republicans are working on solutions such as drug shortage legislation, the Lower Costs, More Transparency Act, and the SUPPORT Act.
The Energy and Commerce Committee is taking a leadership role in supporting research for childhood cancer and improving access to care for patients with rare diseases. Additionally, Chair Rodgers is urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to cover treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.
Through these initiatives, House Republicans are demonstrating their commitment to improving health care and making a positive impact on the lives of the American people.