On the Hill: Government Shutdown Enters Its Third Week

The federal government shutdown has entered its third week, with bipartisan negotiations still stalled and no resolution in sight.

Last week, the Senate remained in session, regularly re-voting (and failing to pass) both the House-passed continuing resolution (CR) and the Democrat alternative CR. The Senate also continued to hold hearings pertinent for essential hospitals.

On Wednesday, Oct. 8, the Senate Special Committee on Aging held a hearing on pharmaceutical manufacturing. Both Republicans and Democrats expressed staunch support for rebuilding U.S. manufacturing capacity and reducing reliance on China and India, framing the issue as one of national security and public health. Republicans emphasized immediate actions such as tariffs, labeling requirements, and procurement mandates to prioritize American-made drugs. Democrats focused on longer-term structural reforms, including investments in biotechnology, infrastructure, and affordability. Both parties agreed on the importance of reshoring production and strengthening supply chain resilience through coordinated federal action and enhanced FDA oversight.

On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions convened a full committee hearing on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to improve patient care. Republicans highlighted AI's promise to boost efficiency across health care, education, and administration, while calling for safeguards to protect data and users. Democrats echoed many of these points, underscoring the need for transparency, privacy protections, and clear principles around liability and oversight to ensure AI advances the public good without deepening inequality.

Committee Activity This Week

The Senate is in session this week, resuming on Tuesday to vote on a bill aimed at ending the shutdown. The House is out on recess this week, after the House cancelled its scheduled session from Tuesday to Friday.

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FAN members are invited to register to join us on Thurs., Oct. 16, at noon ET, as we welcome Marielle Kress, MPP, senior health advisor for the Senate Committee on Finance, to speak on congressional year-end priorities. With experience at member hospital NYC Health + Hospitals, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Kress brings a unique perspective on how past and future policy decisions in Washington could impact essential hospitals.