- The House passed a $1.5 trillion spending package, as well as a four-day stopgap measure to extend current funding levels through March 15 and ensure there’s no lapse in appropriations. Of note, the bill provides a 12 percent increase in the HHS budget that earmarks funds for President Biden’s proposed medical research agency. The bill also extends Medicare coverage for telehealth, allows some hospitals no longer eligible for the 340B drug discount program to stay in it through the end of the year, and approves the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. However, Democrats failed in their effort to strip the Hyde amendment, which prohibits use of federal funds for abortions in most cases, from the legislation. They also agreed to drop $15.6 billion in COVID-19 relief amid concerns from Republicans over how to fund it. House Democrats later introduced a $15.6 billion stand-alone COVID-19 relief bill, but it is expected to face Republican opposition in the Senate. (Articles here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here)
March 10, 2022
D.C. News