Reps. Doris Matsui (D-Calif.) and Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) circulated a letter in the House urging HHS Secretary Kennedy and HRSA Administrator Engels to use any enforcement mechanisms available against Eli Lilly's move to cut off 340B pricing. The letter also called on them to restore 340B pricing and clarify their stances on manufacturers tying claims data submission to 340B pricing availability. The final letter included 72 bipartisan signatures.

Committee Activity Last Week

The House Ways and Means Committee held a July 1 markup to consider seven bills, all of which were approved. This included H.R. 9504, the Tax-Exempt Hospital Transparency Act. Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) expressed support for all the bills under consideration, stating that they would increase transparency and strengthen taxpayer protections. He specifically highlighted H.R. 9504, arguing that current Form 990 reporting by nonprofit hospitals is insufficient and that enhanced transparency requirements would help ensure more resources are directed toward patient care. Ranking Member Richard Neal (D-Mass.) opposed the bill, arguing it would not lower health care costs or reduce prescription drug prices and instead would impose additional reporting and compliance requirements on hospitals. He contended that hospitals are already facing financial pressures from Medicaid and ACA-related cuts and warned that the bill would add further burdens without clear benefits.

Committee Republicans generally supported H.R. 9045, arguing that it would improve transparency and accountability among tax-exempt hospitals and 340B participants without imposing significant new burdens. Committee Democrats uniformly opposed the bill, arguing that it would impose new reporting and compliance requirements on hospitals at a time when many are already under significant financial strain.

Both the House and Senate are in recess this week.

Join the Federal Action Network Today!

Stay connected to the latest from Washington. Join our Federal Action Network (FAN) - free for members - and gain exclusive access to advocacy expertise and updates.