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Senate Report 119-31 - U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE 59-010 WASHINGTON : 2025
[Senate Report 119-31]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
119th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - - - - Senate Report 119-31
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON
HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND
PENSIONS
UNITED STATES SENATE
during the
118TH CONGRESS
2023-2024
PURSUANT TO
SECTION 136 OF THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1946, AS AMENDED
BY THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1970
June 17, 2025.--Ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
59-010 WASHINGTON : 2025
[118th Congress]
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont, Chairman
PATTY MURRAY, Washington BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Louisiana,
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania Ranking Member
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
TIM KAINE, Virginia LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
TINA SMITH, Minnesota ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico MITT ROMNEY, Utah
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
ED MARKEY, Massachusetts MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
TEDD BUDD, North Carolina
Warren Gunnels, Democrat Staff Director
Amanda Lincoln, Republican Staff Director
[119th Congress]
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Louisiana, Chairman
RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont,
SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine Ranking Member
LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska PATTY MURRAY, Washington
MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut
TIM SCOTT, South Carolina TIM KAINE, Virginia
JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire
TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
JIM BANKS, Indiana ED MARKEY, Massachusetts
JON HUSTED, Ohio ANDY KIM, New Jersey
ASHLEY MOODY, Florida LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
ANGELA ALSOBROOKS, Maryland
Matthew Gallivan, Republican Staff Director
Warren Gunnels, Democrat Staff Director
FOREWORD
This report on the legislative activities of the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions during the 118th
Congress is submitted pursuant to section 136 of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 190d), as
amended by Public Laws 91-050, 92-136, and 93-334. The
Legislative Reorganization Act requires standing committees of
the U.S. Senate to ``review and study, on a continuing basis,
the application, administration, and execution'' of laws within
their jurisdiction and to submit biennial reports to the
Congress. The full text of section 136 is as follows:
Sec. 136.(a) In order to assist the Congress--
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the
application, administration, and execution of the laws
enacted by Congress, and
(2) its formulation, consideration and enactment of
such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of
such additional legislation, as may be necessary or
appropriate, each standing committee of the Senate and
the House of Representatives shall review and study, on
a continuing basis, the application, administration,
and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the
subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of
that committee. Such committees may carry out the
required analysis, appraisal, and evaluation
themselves, or by contract, or may require a government
agency to do so and furnish a report thereon to the
Congress. Such committees may rely on such techniques
as pilot testing, analysis of costs in comparison with
benefits, or provision for evaluation after a defined
period of time.
(b) In each odd-numbered year beginning on or after January
1, 1973, each standing committee of the Senate shall submit,
not later than March 31, to the Senate . . . a report on the
activities of that committee under this section during the
Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
(c) The preceding provisions of this section do not apply
to the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, House
Administration, Rules, and Standards of Official Conduct of the
House.
Bernie Sanders, Chair.
C O N T E N T S
------
Page
Foreword......................................................... III
Committee jurisdiction........................................... 1
Committee organization........................................... 2
Review of Legislative activity................................... 3
Full Committee activities........................................ 3
I.Bills Enacted into Law:
A. Health..........................................................3
B. Families........................................................6
C. Native Americans................................................6
II. Vetoed Legislation...............................................7
III. Reported Bills Not Enacted:.......................................
A. Health..........................................................7
B. Education......................................................12
C. Labor and Employment...........................................12
IV. Other Bills Considered by Senate:
A. Health.........................................................14
B. Education......................................................16
C. Labor and Employment..........................................19
V. List of Public Laws.............................................20
VI. List of Full Committee and Subcommittee hearings................22
VII. Anticipated activities..........................................24
Committee printing............................................... 25
APPENDIX
I. Reports of the Committee and Subcommittees on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions:
A. Full Committee.................................................26
B. Children and Families..........................................26
C. Employment and Workplace Safety................................26
D. Primary Health and Retirement Security.........................26
II. Public Laws enacted during the 118th Congress...................26
III. Hearings by Full Committee and Subcommittees:
Full Committee.................................................27
Nominations....................................................32
Department of Labor............................................32
National Institutes of Health..................................32
Subcommittee on Children and Families..........................32
Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety................32
Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security.........33
IV. Statistical Summary.............................................34
V. Rules of Procedure..............................................35
119th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 119-31
======================================================================
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION,
LABOR, AND PENSIONS
_______
June 17, 2025.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Cassidy, from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[Pursuant to section 136 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946,
as amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, as amended]
COMMITTEE JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions Committee in the 118th Congress was set forth in
paragraph 1.(1) of Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate
as follows:
(1) Committee on Labor and Human Resources, to which
committee shall be referred all proposed legislation,
messages, petitions, memorials, and other matters
relating to the fol- lowing subjects:
1. Measures relating to education, labor, health, and
pub- lic welfare.
2. Aging.
3. Agricultural colleges.
4. Arts and humanities.
5. Biomedical research and development.
6. Child labor.
7. Convict labor and the entry of goods made by
convicts into interstate commerce.
8. Domestic activities of the American National Red
Cross.
9. Equal employment opportunity.
10. Gallaudet College, Howard University, and Saint
Eliz- abeths Hospital.
11. Handicapped individuals.
12. Labor standards and labor statistics.
13. Mediation and arbitration of labor disputes.
14. Occupational safety and health, including the
welfare of miners.
15. Private pension plans.
16. Public health.
17. Railway labor and retirement.
18. Regulation of foreign laborers.
19. Student loans.
20. Wages and hours of labor.
(2) Such committee shall also study and review, on a com-
prehensive basis, matters relating to health, education
and training, and public welfare, and report thereon
from time to time.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION*
During the 118th Congress, the Committee was organized into
the following subcommittees:
Children and Families
Mr. Casey, Chairman
Mrs. Murray Mr. Tuberville, Ranking Member
Mr. Murphy Mr. Paul
Mr. Kaine Ms. Murkowski
Ms. Hassan Mr. Romney
Ms. Smith Mr. Mullin
Mr. Sanders (ex officio) Mr. Cassidy (ex officio)
Employment and Workplace Safety
Mr. Hickenlooper, Chairman
Mr. Casey Mr. Braun, Ranking Member
Ms. Baldwin Mr. Marshall
Mr. Kaine Mr. Romney
Mr. Lujan Mr. Tuberville
Mr. Markey Mr. Budd
Mr. Sanders (ex officio) Mr. Cassidy (ex officio)
Primary Health and Retirement Security
Mr. Markey, Chairman
Mrs. Murray Mr. Marshall, Ranking Member
Ms. Baldwin Mr. Paul
Mr. Murphy Ms. Collins
Ms. Hassan Ms. Murkowski
Ms. Smith Mr. Braun
Mr. Lujan Mr. Mullin
Mr. Hickenlooper Mr. Budd
Mr. Sanders (ex officio) Mr. Cassidy (ex officio)
(*Note.--The Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member are
ex officio of the subcommittee they do not serve on.)
REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has
jurisdiction over approximately 1,000 Federal programs relating
to health, education, disability policy, children and families,
older Americans, pensions, labor, and public welfare. These
programs are administered by the Departments of Education,
Health and Human Services, Labor, and over a hundred
independent agencies, councils, and bureaus.
During the 118th Congress, which convened on January 3,
2024 and adjourned on January 3, 2025, 1,027 bills and
resolutions were referred to the Committee for its
consideration, reflecting the substantial interest in issues
within the Committee's jurisdiction. The Committee and its
subcommittees held 40 hearings, and produced 12 public laws,
covering Native Americans, families, and the majority of which,
came within the area of health care.
FULL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
In addition to the legislation referred to the Committee,
32 nominations were received by the Committee during the 118th
Congress, 24 were reported and 15 were confirmed by the Senate.
The Committee held 2 hearings for nominations.
The committee reported 56 bills and 12 resolutions to the
Senate, and 12 measures within its jurisdiction were enacted
into law.
The committee and its subcommittees held 40 days of public
hearings and held 26 executive sessions for the purpose of
considering legislation and nominations. There were no
conferences held with the House of Representatives.
I. BILLS APPROVED FROM THE HELP COMMITTEE
ENACTED INTO LAW IN THE 118TH CONGRESS
A. Health
Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to
End Parkinson's Act
[Public Law 118-66, [enacted July 2, 2024]]
This act requires the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) to carry out a project to address Parkinson's
disease (a progressive brain disorder that causes unintended or
uncontrollable movements) and related conditions.
Among other components of the project, HHS must (1)
implement and periodically update a national plan to coordinate
and guide efforts to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure the
disease; and (2) improve the care of those with the disease.
HHS must also annually assess the preparations for and response
to the increased burden of Parkinson's disease.
In addition, the act establishes a council, comprised of
federal and nonfederal stakeholders, to advise HHS on and make
recommendations concerning the prevention and treatment of
Parkinson's disease.
The provisions of the act terminate at the end of calendar
year 2035.
SIREN Reauthorization Act
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 118-84, [enacted September 26, 2024]]
This act reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise modifies
a grant program for improving emergency medical services (EMS)
in rural areas. The modifications include requiring the use of
grant funds to train EMS personnel on caring for individuals
with mental health and substance use disorders in emergency
situations and permitting the use of grant funds to acquire
overdose reversal drugs and devices.
Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 118-86, [enacted September 26, 2024]]
This act reauthorizes through FY2029 several poison control
center resources and services.
Specifically, the act reauthorizes (1) the national poison
control center help line (i.e., the Poison Help line), (2) a
national media campaign to educate the public and health care
providers about the help line and other resources, and (3) a
grant program to support the ability of poison control centers
to provide services.
NAPA Reauthorization Act
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 118-92, [enacted October 1, 2024]]
This act extends through 2035 and makes other changes to
the National Alzheimer's Project. This project supports
coordination of federal planning, programs, and other efforts
to address Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
In particular, the act incorporates a focus on promoting
healthy aging and reducing risk factors associated with
cognitive decline.
The act also expands the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's
Research, Care, and Services to include additional members,
such as (1) a researcher with experience recruiting and
retaining diverse clinical trial participants, (2) an
individual diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, and (3)
representatives from additional federal agencies (e.g., the
Department of Justice).
Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 118-93, [enacted October 1, 2024]]
This act requires the National Institutes of Health to
annually submit, beginning in FY2024, an estimate of its budget
and personnel needs for carrying out initiatives pursuant to
the National Alzheimer's Project directly to the President for
review and transmittal to Congress. The Department of Health
and Human Services and the Advisory Council on Alzheimer's
Research, Care, and Services may comment on the budget estimate
but may not change it.
The National Alzheimer's Project supports coordination of
federal planning, research, and other efforts to address
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023
[Public Law 118-147, [enacted December 12, 2024]]
This act reauthorizes through FY2028 the National
Firefighter Registry for Cancer. This is a voluntary registry
maintained by the National Institute of Occupational Safety &
Health that collects relevant health and occupational
information to better understand and reduce cancers among
firefighters.
Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024
[Public Law 118-178, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act reauthorizes through FY2029 the Emergency Medical
Services for Children State Partnership Program, which is
administered by the Health Resources and Services
Administration. The program awards grants to state governments
and medical schools to support emergency medical services for
children who need treatment for trauma or critical care.
HEARTS Act of 2024
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 118-176, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act establishes a series of programs and requirements
relating to cardiomyopathy. (Cardiomyopathy refers to a
collection of diverse conditions of the heart muscle that can
affect the ability of the heart to pump blood.)
Specifically, the Department of Health and Human Services
must disseminate information about cardiomyopathy and the use
of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to certain school
professionals, families, and others, and it must develop
specified risk assessment tools for cardiomyopathy. In
addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must
report on certain research and surveillance activities, and the
National Institutes of Health must report on its research
relating to cardiomyopathy.
The act also establishes a grant program to provide
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and AEDs in public
schools.
Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthoriztion Act of 2024
[Public Law 118-178, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act reauthorizes through FY2029 the Emergency Medical
Services for Children State Partnership Program, which is
administered by the Health Resources and Services
Administration. The program awards grants to state governments
and medical schools to support emergency medical services for
children who need treatment for trauma or critical care.
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0
[Public Law 118-228, [enacted January 4, 2025]]
This Act reauthorizes through FY2028 a pediatric disease
research initiative within the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) and requires the NIH to coordinate pediatric research
activities to avoid duplicative efforts. Additionally, the
Department of Health and Human Services must report to Congress
about research funded through the initiative.
B. Families
Jenna Quinn Law
[Public Law 118-193, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act allows the Department of Health and Human Services
to provide grants for evidence-informed child sexual abuse
awareness and prevention programs. The grants may be awarded
for a period of up to five years.
The act also requires the Government Accountability Office
to report on expenditures under the program.
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act
[Public Law 118-194, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act requires the Department of Health and Human
Services to contract with the National Academies of Sciences,
Engineering, and Medicine to study and make recommendations
about various aspects of youth residential programs.
Specifically, the National Academies must identify the
nature, prevalence, severity, and scope of child abuse,
neglect, and deaths in youth residential programs.
The National Academies must make recommendations to improve
coordination and the implementation of best practices of
regarding the health, safety, care, and treatment of youth in
youth residential programs. The National Academies also must
make recommendations about education and training resources for
personnel in health care, law enforcement, the judiciary,
social work, and child protection.
In carrying out these requirements, the National Academies
must consult with various experts in the field, including
local, state, and federal agencies.
The National Academies must submit the report not later
than three years after enactment of this bill and biennially
thereafter for a period of 10 years.
C. Native American
NACIE Improvement Act
[Public Law 118-209, [enacted December 23, 2024]]
This act requires the President to ensure that the National
Advisory Council on Indian Education includes at least one
member who is the president of a tribal college or university.
II. VETOED LEGISLATION
In the 118th Congress, no Committee legislation was vetoed
by the President.
III. BILLS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND
PENSIONS, NOT ENACTED INTO LAW IN THE 118TH CONGRESS
A. Health
S. 4762--Autism CARES Act of 2024
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize programs and research relating to autism, and for
other purposes.
S. 4755--Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024
A bill to reauthorize traumatic brain injury programs, and
for other purposes.
S. 4325--Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2024
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize the program relating to lifespan respite care, and
for other purposes.
S. 4045--East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act of 2024
A bill to require a study on public health impacts as a
consequence of the February 3, 2023, train derailment in East
Palestine, Ohio.
S. 3775--BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Reauthorization Act of
2024
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, and
for other purposes.
S. 3765--Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of
2024
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for Children
program.
S. 3757--Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024
A bill to reauthorize the congenital heart disease
research, surveillance, and awareness program of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, and for other purposes.
S. 3679--Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection
Reauthorization Act
A bill to reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care
Provider Protection Act, and for other purposes.
S. 3393--SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act
Act A bill to reauthorize the SUPPORT for Patients and
Communities Act, and for other purposes.
S. 2840--Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act
A bill to improve access to and the quality of primary
health care, expand the health workforce, and for other
purposes.
S. 2415--Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023
A bill to amend title III of the Public Health Service Act
to reauthorize Federal support of States in their work to save
and sustain the health of mothers during pregnancy, childbirth,
and the postpartum period, to eliminate disparities in maternal
health outcomes for pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated
deaths, to identify solutions to improve health care quality
and health outcomes for mothers, and for other purposes.
S. 2333--Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act
A bill to reauthorize certain programs under the Public
Health Service Act with respect to public health security and
all-hazards preparedness and response, and for other purposes.
S. 1855--Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023
A bill to reauthorize the Special Diabetes Program for Type
1 Diabetes and the Special Diabetes Program for Indians.
S. 1852--Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders
Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize a sickle cell disease prevention and treatment
demonstration program.
S. 1844--Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of
2023
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to
reauthorize user fee programs relating to new animal drugs and
generic new animal drugs.
S. 1840--SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize and improve the National Breast and Cervical Cancer
Early Detection Program for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, and
for other purposes.
S. 1624--Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0
This bill modifies funding for, and requires reporting
about, a pediatric disease research initiative within the
National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Currently, this initiative receives funding through FY2023
from the 10-Year Pediatric Research Initiative Fund.
This bill directs certain penalties assessed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission against pharmaceutical
companies for specified violations to that fund. Additionally,
the NIH must prioritize pediatric research that does not
duplicate existing research activities when making allocations
from the fund.
The bill also requires the Department of Health and Human
Services to report to Congress about the research projects
funded through the initiative.
S. 1573--PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise
modifies research and education programs for preventing
premature births.
For example, the bill requires the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) to establish an interagency working group
to improve the coordination of programs and activities to
prevent preterm birth, infant mortality, and related adverse
effects. (Current law permits HHS to establish such a working
group.)
The bill also requires HHS to support a study carried out
by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine on matters related to premature births, such as the
financial costs and factors that affect preterm birth rates.
S. 1339--Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act
This bill establishes various requirements for pharmacy
benefit managers (PBMs) with respect to services provided to
health insurance plans.
First, PBMs must report annually to the plan sponsor
certain information about the PBM's services, including the
amount of prescription drug copayment assistance funded by drug
manufacturers, a list of covered drugs billed under the plan
during the reporting period, and the total net spending by the
health plan on prescription drugs. PBMs also must provide plan
sponsors with a supplementary report every six months with
specified information about drugs that were dispensed under the
plan by pharmacies that are wholly or partially owned by the
PBM.
Second, the bill prohibits spread pricing. Under the bill,
spread pricing occurs when a PBM charges an insurance plan (or
an insurance plan charges plan participants) a price for a
prescription drug that exceeds the price paid to the pharmacy
for the drug.
Finally, PBMs must remit to the plan sponsor all rebates,
fees, alternative discounts, and other remuneration received
from a drug manufacturer.
The bill establishes civil penalties for violations of
these requirements and provides funding for the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Department of Labor to
implement the provisions of this bill.
S. 1214--RARE Act
This bill specifies that the seven-year market exclusivity
period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan
drug exclusivity period) prohibits the approval of the same
drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to
the disease or condition.
Current law grants a seven-year period of market
exclusivity for an approved orphan drug, during which the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) may not approve an application
from another manufacturer for the same drug for the same
disease or condition. The FDA's regulations provide that this
exclusivity is specific to the same approved use or indication
of the drug, rather than all uses or indications, for the
disease or condition. However, in Catalyst Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. v. Becerra, a court held that exclusivity did extend to
all uses or indications for the disease or condition.
The bill provides statutory authority for the FDA's
regulations.
S. 1114--Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act of 2023
This bill modifies provisions related to market exclusivity
for a generic drug.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awards
180 days of exclusivity on the market to a first applicant to
file a qualifying application for market approval of a generic
drug. Generally, this exclusivity period begins upon a first
applicant's commercial marketing of the drug.
The bill authorizes the FDA to approve a subsequent generic
drug application prior to a first applicant's first date of
commercial marketing if (1) the subsequent application is ready
for full approval, (2) the applicant certifies that there are
no conditions that would prevent commercial marketing of the
drug within 75 days of approval and that the applicant intends
to do so, (3) a first applicant's application has been pending
for at least 33 months, (4) the approval of a first applicant's
application is not precluded by patent infringement claims
asserted against that first applicant, and (5) no first
applicant's application has been effectively approved on the
date that all such conditions are met.
If an applicant fails to begin commercially marketing their
drug within 75 days of approval via the aforementioned process,
the applicant's approval is deemed tentative and the applicant
is no longer eligible for subsequent approvals, unless the
applicant certifies that the failure was due to unforeseen
issues that have since been resolved.
Additionally, the FDA must inform generic drug applicants,
upon request or during review, whether the drug is
qualitatively and quantitatively the same as the listed brand-
name drug (and if not, the reasons why).
S. 1067--Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2023
This bill establishes additional requirements related to
citizen petitions concerning applications for generic drug or
biosimilar market approval. (Citizen petitions are petitions
submitted by third parties requesting that the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) take certain actions, such as requiring
additional warnings on a drug.)
Under the bill, the FDA may deny a citizen petition that
(1) was submitted primarily to delay the approval of the
relevant application, or (2) does not on its face raise valid
scientific or regulatory issues. Currently, the FDA may deny a
petition as an attempt at delay only if the petition meets both
of these requirements.
The bill also expressly requires a third party, before
filing a lawsuit to force the FDA to set aside or prevent
market approval of a generic drug or biosimilar, to first file
a citizen petition with the information and arguments that form
the basis of the lawsuit. A citizen petition must be filed
within 60 days of when the filer knew or reasonably should have
known the information that forms the basis of the petition.
S. 954--Affordable Insulin Now Act of 2023
This bill limits cost-sharing for insulin under private
health insurance and establishes a program to provide insulin
to individuals without insurance.
Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private
health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin
products at $35 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price
(after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in
2024.
Further, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
must enter into agreements with pharmacies or health care
providers to provide insulin to individuals without insurance.
HHS must pay such pharmacies or providers an amount equal to
the difference between the out-of-pocket cost to the individual
for a 30-day supply of such insulin products and $35.
S. 644--Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act
This bill expands access to methadone for an individual's
unsupervised use to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
(Typically, methadone must be dispensed to individuals in
person through opioid treatment programs.)
The bill (1) waives provisions of the Controlled Substances
Act that require qualified practitioners to obtain a separate
registration from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to
prescribe and dispense methadone to treat OUD, and (2) requires
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
and the DEA to jointly report on the waiver.
Additionally, the bill directs the DEA to register certain
practitioners to prescribe methadone that is dispensed through
a pharmacy for an individual's unsupervised use. Qualified
practitioners must be licensed or authorized to prescribe
controlled substances, and they must either work for an opioid
treatment program or be a physician or psychiatrist with a
specialty certification in addiction medicine. A state may
request that the DEA stop registering such practitioners in its
jurisdiction.
Individuals who receive methadone for unsupervised use must
continue to have access to other care through an opioid
treatment program.
For purposes of the waiver, the bill also requires the
exclusive use of electronic prescribing, establishes
prescription limits, and sets out requirements for informed
consent. Further, the bill permits the use of telehealth to
provide methadone treatment and related services if the state
and the Department of Health and Human Services jointly
determine the use is feasible and appropriate.
S. 146--Cap Insulin Prices Act
This bill reduces cost-sharing for insulin under private
health insurance and the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
Specifically, the bill caps cost-sharing under private
health insurance for a month's supply of selected insulin
products at $25 or 25 percent of a plan's negotiated price
(after any price concessions), whichever is less, beginning in
2024.
The bill caps cost-sharing under the Medicare prescription
drug benefit for a month's supply insulin products at $25
beginning in 2024. The current cap on insulin products under
Medicare is $35 per month.
Education
S. 4686--Transparency in Student Lending Act
A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require
the disclosure of the annual percentage rates applicable to
Federal student loans.
S. 3392--AREA Act
A bill to reauthorize the Education Sciences Reform Act of
2002, the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, and the
National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act,
and for other purposes.
S. 1331--PSLF Payment Completion Fairness Act
This bill removes the requirement that a borrower must be
employed in a public service job at the time of loan
forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
program.
Under the current PSLF program, the Department of Education
must cancel the balance of interest and principal due on a
borrower's Federal Direct Loans after the borrower makes 120
monthly loan payments while employed in a public service job
and, at the time of loan forgiveness, the borrower is employed
in a public service job. This bill removes the requirement that
the borrower must be working in a public service job at the
time of loan forgiveness.
Labor and Employment
S. 3947--Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act
A bill to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to
reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours per week to 32 hours
per week, and for other purposes.
S. 1664--Healthy Families Act
A bill to allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that
they can address their own health needs and the health needs of
their families.
S. 728--Paycheck Fairness Act
This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of
sex. Specifically, it (1) limits an employer's defense that a
pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only
bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims,
(2) enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, (3) makes it unlawful
to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting
the employee from disclosing information about the employee's
wages, and (4) increases civil penalties for violations of
equal pay provisions.
Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage
discrimination.
The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish
and carry out a grant program for negotiation skills training
for girls and women, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay
disparities between men and women, and (3) make available
information on wage discrimination to assist the public in
understanding and addressing such discrimination.
The bill also establishes the Secretary of Labor's National
Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has
made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between
men and women.
Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations
for collecting from employers compensation and other employment
data according to the sex, race, and national origin of
employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay
discrimination.
S. 567--Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023
This bill expands various labor protections related to
employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain in the
workplace.
Specifically, it revises the definitions of employee,
supervisor, and employer to broaden the scope of individuals
covered by the fair labor standards; permits labor
organizations to encourage participation of union members in
strikes initiated by employees represented by a different labor
organization (i.e., secondary strikes); and prohibits employers
from bringing claims against unions that conduct such secondary
strikes.
The bill also allows collective bargaining agreements to
require all employees represented by the bargaining unit to
contribute fees to the labor organization for the cost of such
representation, notwithstanding a state law to the contrary,
and it expands unfair labor practices to include prohibitions
against replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who
participate in strikes.
The bill makes it an unfair labor practice to require or
coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to
discourage union membership and prohibits employers from
entering into agreements with employees under which employees
waive the right to pursue or a join collective or class-action
litigation.
Finally, the bill addresses the procedures for union
representation elections, modifies the protections against
unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm,
and establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against
entities that fail to comply with National Labor Relations
Board orders.
IV. OTHER BILLS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS, CONSIDERED BY THE SENATE IN THE 118TH
CONGRESS
A. Health
Modernizing Opioid Treatment Access Act
This bill expands access to methadone for an individual's
unsupervised use to treat opioid use disorder (OUD).
(Typically, methadone must be dispensed to individuals in
person through opioid treatment programs.)
Ensuring Timely Access to Generics Act of 2023
This bill establishes additional requirements related to
citizen petitions concerning applications for generic drug or
biosimilar market approval. (Citizen petitions are petitions
submitted by third parties requesting that the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) take certain actions, such as requiring
additional warnings on a drug.)
Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act of 2023
This bill modifies provisions related to market exclusivity
for a generic drug.
RARE Act
This bill specifies that the seven-year market exclusivity
period for drugs for rare diseases or conditions (i.e., orphan
drug exclusivity period) prohibits the approval of the same
drug for the same approved use or indication with respect to
the disease or condition.
Pharmacy Benefit Manager Reform Act
This bill establishes various requirements for pharmacy
benefit managers (PBMs) with respect to services provided to
health insurance plans.
PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise
modifies research and education programs for preventing
premature births.
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0
This bill modifies funding for, and requires reporting
about, a pediatric disease research initiative within the
National Institutes of Health (NIH).
SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and makes changes to
the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Program. This program provides funding to states for breast and
cervical cancer screening, diagnostic, and treatment services
for individuals who have low incomes, are uninsured, or
otherwise lack access to such services.
Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2023
This bill reauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to collect fees for brand-name and generic animal drug
applications through FY2028. It also makes related updates to
fee calculations and FDA reporting requirements.
Sickle Cell Disease and Other Heritable Blood Disorders Research,
Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the Sickle Cell
Disease Treatment Demonstration Program, which supports efforts
to improve treatment and prevention of sickle cell disease and
complications from that disease. (Sickle cell disease is an
inherited blood disorder that can lead to pain, anemia,
infections, and stroke.)
Special Diabetes Program Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes and funds through calendar year 2025
the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes and the
Special Diabetes Program for Indians. The Special Diabetes
Program for Type I Diabetes supports research on the prevention
and cure of Type I diabetes, and the Special Diabetes Program
for Indians supports diabetes treatment and prevention for
tribal populations.
Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Response Act
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies public
health preparedness and response programs and activities. The
bill also addresses potential shortages of drugs and medical
devices.
Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2023
This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 and otherwise
modifies federal support for state-based efforts to improve
maternal mortality review committees; enhance surveillance of
pregnancy-associated and related deaths; and otherwise improve,
and reduce disparities in, maternal health outcomes.
Bipartisan Primary Care and Health Workforce Act
To improve access to and the quality of primary health
care, expand the health workforce, and for other purposes.
SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act
To reauthorize the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities
Act, and for other purposes.
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act
To reauthorize the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider
Protection Act, and for other purposes.
Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2024
To reauthorize the congenital heart disease research,
surveillance, and awareness program of the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, and for other purposes.
Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the
Emergency Medical Services for Children program.
BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Reauthorization Act of 2024
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the
BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act, and for other
purposes.
East Palestine Health Impact Monitoring Act of 2024
To require a study on public health impacts as a
consequence of the February 3, 2023, train derailment in East
Palestine, Ohio.
Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2024
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize the
program relating to lifespan respite care, and for other
purposes.
Traumatic Brain Injury Program Reauthorization Act of 2024
To reauthorize traumatic brain injury programs, and for
other purposes.
Autism CARES Act of 2024
To amend the Public Health Service Act to reauthorize
programs and research relating to autism, and for other
purposes.
B. Education
Parents Bill of Rights Act
This bill establishes various rights of parents and
guardians regarding the public elementary or secondary school
education (including secondary career and technical education)
of their children. Local educational agencies (LEAs) and
schools must comply with the requirements of the bill in order
to receive federal education funds.
Specifically, the bill requires schools to notify parents
and guardians of their rights regarding the education of their
children. These rights include the right to
review (and make copies of at no cost) the
curriculum of their child's school;
know if the state alters its challenging
academic standards;
meet with each teacher of their child at
least twice each school year;
review the budget, including all revenues
and expenditures, of their child's school;
inspect the books and other reading
materials in the library of their child's school;
address the school board of the LEA;
receive information about violent activity
in their child's school; and
know if their child is not grade-level
proficient in reading or language arts at the end of
3rd grade.
Additional rights include the right to
receive information about any plans to
eliminate gifted and talented programs or college
credit programs in their child's school;
know the total number of school counselors
in their child's school;
know if their child's school operates,
sponsors, or facilitates athletic programs or
activities that permit an individual whose biological
sex is male to participate in an athletic program or
activity that is designed for individuals whose
biological sex is female;
know if their child's school allows an
individual whose biological sex is male to use
restrooms or changing rooms designated for individuals
whose biological sex is female; and
receive timely information about any major
cyberattack against their child's school.
Each LEA must (1) post on a publicly
accessible website (or otherwise widely disseminate to
the public) the curriculum for each grade level, and
(2) include detailed budget information in its annual
report card.
The bill provides for additional family educational and
privacy rights, including by (1) prohibiting schools from
acting as an agent of a parent for purposes of providing
verifiable parental consent for a vaccination, (2) prohibiting
schools from selling student information for commercial or
financial gain, and (3) requiring schools to engage
meaningfully with parents in developing privacy policies or
procedures.
An elementary school or a school consisting of only grades
5-8 must obtain parental consent before (1) changing a minor
child's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred name on school
forms; or (2) allowing a child to change the child's sex-based
accommodations.
The bill requires the Government Accountability Office to
evaluate and analyze the impact of the bill on protecting
parents' rights in the education of their children and the
costs to educational agencies and schools.
Mathematical and Statistical Modeling Education Act
This bill requires the National Science Foundation (NSF) to
take certain actions to increase mathematical and statistical
modeling education in elementary and secondary schools.
First, the NSF must make competitive awards to institutions
of higher education and nonprofit organizations for research
and development to support high-quality mathematical modeling
education (e.g., data science and computational thinking) in
schools, including schools that are private, faith-based, or
homeschools. This authority to provide awards expires on
September 30, 2028.
In addition, the NSF must seek to enter into an agreement
with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and
Medicine to study and report on mathematical and statistical
modeling education in schools.
Accreditation for College Excellence Act of 2023
This bill revises the requirements for an accrediting
agency to be recognized by the Department of Education as a
reliable authority on the quality of education being offered at
an institution of higher education (IHE).
Specifically, an accrediting agency must confirm that its
standards do not require, encourage, or coerce an IHE to (1)
support, oppose, or commit to supporting or opposing specific
partisan, political, or ideological viewpoints or beliefs or
specific viewpoints or beliefs on social, cultural, or
political issues; or (2) support or commit to supporting the
disparate treatment of any individual or group on the basis of
any protected class under federal civil rights law.
Additionally, an accrediting agency must confirm that its
standards do not prohibit an IHE from having a religious
mission. The accrediting agency may not prohibit the IHE from
requiring an applicant, student, employee, or independent
contractor to provide a statement of faith or adhere to a code
of conduct.
The bill specifies that an IHE shall be eligible to
participate in federal student aid programs if the IHE is in
compliance with the standards of the accrediting agency that
assesses the IHE in accordance with statute.
Think Differently About Education Act of 2023
This bill establishes a notification requirement related to
an individualized education program (IEP). (Generally, IEPs are
individualized plans to ensure that a child with a disability
receives a free appropriate public education.)
Under current law, states and local educational agencies
(LEAs) must convene a team to develop an IEP. The composition
of the team that develops the IEP is outlined in current law
and allows for other individuals who have knowledge or special
expertise regarding the child (including related services
personnel, as appropriate) to participate in this team. This
bill requires the LEA that serves the child to notify the
child's parents of their right to include these other
individuals with knowledge or special expertise on the child's
IEP team.
Crucial Communism Teaching Act
This bill directs the Victims of Communism Memorial
Foundation to develop a civic education curriculum and oral
history resources for high school students to promote
understanding of certain political ideologies (e.g., communism
and totalitarianism) that conflict with principles of U.S.
democracy.
AREA Act
To reauthorize the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002,
the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, and the
National Assessment of Educational Progress Authorization Act,
and for other purposes.
C. Labor and Employment
A Stronger Workforce for America Act
To amend and reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act.
Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023
This bill expands various labor protections related to
employees' rights to organize and collectively bargain in the
workplace.
Specifically, it revises the definitions of employee,
supervisor, and employer to broaden the scope of individuals
covered by the fair labor standards; permits labor
organizations to encourage participation of union members in
strikes initiated by employees represented by a different labor
organization (i.e., secondary strikes); and prohibits employers
from bringing claims against unions that conduct such secondary
strikes.
The bill also allows collective bargaining agreements to
require all employees represented by the bargaining unit to
contribute fees to the labor organization for the cost of such
representation, notwithstanding a state law to the contrary,
and it expands unfair labor practices to include prohibitions
against replacement of, or discrimination against, workers who
participate in strikes.
The bill makes it an unfair labor practice to require or
coerce employees to attend employer meetings designed to
discourage union membership and prohibits employers from
entering into agreements with employees under which employees
waive the right to pursue or a join collective or class-action
litigation.
Finally, the bill addresses the procedures for union
representation elections, modifies the protections against
unfair labor practices that result in serious economic harm,
and establishes penalties and permits injunctive relief against
entities that fail to comply with National Labor Relations
Board orders.
Paycheck Fairness Act
This bill addresses wage discrimination on the basis of
sex. Specifically, it (1) limits an employer's defense that a
pay differential is based on a factor other than sex to only
bona fide job-related factors in wage discrimination claims,
(2) enhances nonretaliation prohibitions, (3) makes it unlawful
to require an employee to sign a contract or waiver prohibiting
the employee from disclosing information about the employee's
wages, and (4) increases civil penalties for violations of
equal pay provisions.
Additionally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
(EEOC) and the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs
must train EEOC employees and other affected parties on wage
discrimination.
The bill directs the Department of Labor to (1) establish
and carry out a grant program for negotiation skills training
for girls and women, (2) conduct studies to eliminate pay
disparities between men and women, and (3) make available
information on wage discrimination to assist the public in
understanding and addressing such discrimination.
The bill also establishes the Secretary of Labor's National
Award for Pay Equity in the Workplace for an employer who has
made a substantial effort to eliminate pay disparities between
men and women.
Finally, the bill requires the EEOC to issue regulations
for collecting from employers compensation and other employment
data according to the sex, race, and national origin of
employees for use in enforcing laws prohibiting pay
discrimination.
Healthy Families Act
To allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can
address their own health needs and the health needs of their
families.
V. LIST OF PUBLIC LAWS OF THE 118TH CONGRESS FROM THE COMMITTEE ON
HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
1. Public Law No: 118-66 [enacted Jul. 2, 2024], To direct the
Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a national project
to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure Parkinson's, to be known as the
National Parkinson's Project, and for other purposes.
2. Public Law No: 118-84 [enacted Sept. 26, 2024], To reauthorize
the rural emergency medical service training and equipment assistance
program, and for other purposes.
3. Public Law No: 118-86 [enacted Sept. 26, 2024], To amend the
Public Health Service Act to reauthorize certain poison control
programs.
4. Public Law No: 118-92 [enacted Oct. 1, 2024], To extend the
National Alzheimer's Project.
5. Public Law No: 118-93 [enacted Oct. 1, 2024], To require an
annual budget estimate for the initiatives of the National Institutes
of Health pursuant to reports and recommendations made under the
National Alzheimer's Project Act.
6. Public Law 118-147 [enacted Dec. 12, 2024], To reauthorize
through FY2028 the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. This is a
voluntary registry maintained by the National Institute of Occupational
Safety & Health that collects relevant health and occupational
information to better understand and reduce cancers among firefighters.
7. Public Law No: 118-176 [enacted Dec. 23, 2024], To amend the
Public Health Service Act to authorize and support the creation and
dissemination of cardiomyopathy education, awareness, and risk
assessment materials and resources to identify more at-risk families,
to authorize research and surveillance activities relating to
cardiomyopathy, and for other purposes.
8. Public Law 118-178 [enacted Dec. 23, 2024], To amend the Public
Health Service Act to reauthorize the Emergency Medical Services for
Children program.
9. Public Law No: 118-193 [enacted Dec. 23, 2024], To amend the
Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act to provide for grants in
support of training and education to teachers and other school
employees, students, and the community about how to prevent, recognize,
respond to, and report child sexual abuse among primary and secondary
school students.
10. Public Law No: 118-194 [enacted Dec. 23, 2024], To study and
prevent child abuse in youth residential programs, and for other
purposes.
11. Public Law No: 118-209 [enacted Dec. 23, 2024], To require the
President to ensure that the National Advisory Council on Indian
Education includes at least one member who is the president of a tribal
college or university.
12. Public Law 118-228 [enacted Jan. 4, 2025], To reauthorize
through FY2028 a pediatric disease research initiative within the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and requires the NIH to coordinate
pediatric research activities to avoid duplicative efforts.
Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services must report
to Congress about research funded through the initiative.
VI. LIST OF FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS OF THE COMMITTEE
ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
1. Examining Health Care Workforce Shortages: Where do We Go From
Here?
(Full Committee)
Date: Feb. 16, 2023
2. Community Health Centers: Saving Lives, Saving Money
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 2, 2023
3. Defending the Right of Workers to Organize Unions Free From
Illegal Corporate Union-Busting
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 8, 2023
4. Taxpayers Paid Billions for It: So Why Would Moderna Consider
Quadrupling the Price of the Covid Vaccine?
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 22, 2023
5. No Company is Above the Law: The Need to End Illegal Union
Busting At Starbucks
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 29, 2023
6. Nomination of Julie Su to Serve as Secretary of Labor
(Full Committee)
Date: Apr. 20, 2023
7. Preparing for the Next Public Health Emergency: Reauthorizing
the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act
(Full Committee)
Date: May 4, 2023
8. The Need to Make Insulin Affordable for All Americans
(Full Committee)
Date: May 10, 2023
9. Roundtable: How Can We Improve Health Workforce Diversity and
Address Shortages? A Conversation With Historically Black College and
University Leaders and Students
(Field Hearing, Atlanta, GA)
Date: May 12, 2023
10. A Crisis in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Care:
Closing Gaps in Access By Bringing Care and Prevention to Communities
(Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security)
Date: May 17, 2023
11. Solving the Child Care Crisis: Meeting the Needs of Working
Families and Child Care Workers
(Full Committee)
Date: May 31, 2023
12. Why Are So Many American Youth in A Mental Health Crisis?
Exploring Causes and Solutions
(Full Committee)
Date: Jun. 8, 2023
13. Superbugs: The Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance On Modern
Medicine
(Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security)
Date: Jul. 11, 2023
14. Nomination of Monica Bertagnolli to Be Director of the National
Institutes of Health
(Full Committee)
Date: Sep. 18, 2023
15. Overworked and Undervalued: Is the Severe Hospital Staffing
Crisis Endangering the Well-Being of Patients and Nurses?
(Field Hearing, New Brunswick, NJ)
Date: Oct. 27, 2023
16. AI and the Future of Work: Moving Forward Together
(Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety)
Date: Oct. 31, 2023
17. Avoiding A Cautionary Tale: Policy Considerations for
Artificial Intelligence in Health Care
(Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security)
Date: Nov. 6, 2023
18. Standing Up Against Corporate Greed: How Unions Are Improving
the Lives of Working Families
(Full Committee)
Date: Nov. 14, 2023
19. What is Fueling the Diabetes Epidemic?
(Full Committee)
Date: Dec. 14, 2023
20. Addressing Long COVID: Advancing Research and Improving Patient
Care
(Full Committee)
Date: Jan. 18, 2024
21. Why Does the United States Pay, By Far, the Highest Prices in
the World for Prescription Drugs?
(Full Committee)
Date: Feb. 8, 2024
22. Taking A Serious Look At the Retirement Crisis in America: What
Can We do to Expand Defined Benefit Pension Plans for Workers?
(Full Committee)
Date: Feb. 28, 2024
23. The Older Americans Act: Supporting Efforts to Meet the Needs
of Seniors
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 7, 2024
24. Youth Apprenticeships: Building Partnerships, Strengthening
Career Pathways
(Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety)
Date: Mar. 12, 2024
25. Workers Should Benefit From New Technology and Increased
Productivity: The Need for A 32-Hour Work Week With No Loss in Pay
(Full Committee)
Date: Mar. 14, 2024
26. When Health Care Becomes Wealth Care: How Corporate Greed Puts
Patient Care and Health Workers At Risk
(Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security, Field Hearing,
Boston, MA)
Date Apr. 3, 2024
27. What Can Congress do to Address the Severe Shortage of Minority
Health Care Professionals and the Maternal Health Crisis?
(Full Committee)
Date: May 2, 2024
28. Examining the Dental Care Crisis in America: How Can We Make
Dental Care More Affordable and More Available?
(Full Committee)
Date: May 16, 2024
29. Feeding A Healthier America: Current Efforts and Potential
Opportunities for Food is Medicine
(Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirment Security)
Date: May 21, 2024
30. Digging Deeper for Health and Safety: Examining New Standards
and Practices in Mining (Subcommittee)
(Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety)
Date: May 22, 2024
31. The Assault On Women's Freedoms: How Abortion Bans Have Created
A Health Care Nightmare Across America
(Full Committee)
Date: June 4, 2024
32. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act: Supporting
Efforts to Meet the Needs of Youth Workers, and Employers
(Full Committee)
Date: June 12, 2024
33. Digging Deeper: Building Our Critical Minerals Workforce
(Subcommittee)
(Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety)
Date: June 12, 2024
34. The Immediate and Long-Term Challenges Facing Public School
Teachers: Low Pay, Teacher Shortages, and Underfunded Public Schools
(Full Committee)
Date: June 20, 2024
35. Everyday Expenses and Everyday Americans: How High Costs Impact
Children and Families (Subcommittee)
(Subcommitte on Children and Families)
Date: July 9, 2024
36. What Can Congress do to End the Medical Debt Crisis in America?
(Full Committee)
Date: July 11, 2024
37. Examining the Bankruptcy of Steward Health Care: How Management
Decisions Have Impacted Patient Care
(Full Committee)
Date: September 12, 2024
38. Why is Novo Nordisk Charging Americans With Diabetes and
Obesity Outrageously High Prices for Ozempic and Wegovy?
(Full Committee)
Date: September 24, 2024
39. Reading the Room: Preparing Workers for AI
(Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety)
Date: September 25, 2024
40. What is the FDA Doing to Reduce the Diabetes and Obesity
Epidemics in America and Take on the Greed of the Food and Beverage
Industry?
(Full Committee)
Date: December 5, 2024
VII. ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 119TH CONGRESS
A. Health Care
The Committee will work to address the high cost of
prescription drugs, as well as restore confidence in our
nation's public health in- stitutions. It will conduct business
to reauthorize multiple expiring health care programs.
B. Education
The Committee will support and empower parental involvement
in their child's education, working to reverse the severity of
declin- ing literacy and better serve students with dyslexia.
It will also hold colleges accountable and aim to improve
affordability for stu- dents.
C. Labor
The Committee will support modernizing the American work-
force, acknowledging that more than 27 million workers engage
in gig work and enjoy the flexibility independent contracting
provides.
D. Pensions
The Committee will look at our retirement system and how to
improve retirement security. It will continue its work to
examine failures of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation to
prevent taxpayer dollars from being improperly paid to union
pension funds.
Committee Printing
The Committee printed a total of 860 copies of hearings and
re- ports during the 118th Congress.
APPENDIX
I. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES ON HEALTH, EDUCATION,
LABOR, AND PENSIONS
Full Committee
Proceeding Against Dr. Ralph de la Torre for Contempt of the Senate
S. Rept. 118-230
Reported: Mar. 23, 2023.
Report on Legislative Activities of the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate during the 118th Congress
(2023-2024)
S. Rept. 119-00
Reported: Mar. 31, 2025
Children and Families
No Reports for the 118th Congress
Employment and Workplace Safety
No Reports for the 118th Congress
Primary Health and Retirement Security
No Reports for the 118th Congress
II. PUBLIC LAWS ENACTED DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS
S. 5355
NACIE Improvement Act Public Law 118-209
Dec. 23, 2024
S. 4351
Poison Control Centers Reauthorization Act of 2024 Public Law 118-86
Sept. 26, 2024
H.R. 6960
Emergency Medical Services for Children Reauthorization Act of 2024
Public Law 118-178
Dec. 23, 2024
H.R. 6829
HEARTS Act of 2024 Public Law 118-176
Dec. 23, 2024
H.R. 3821
Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023 Public Law 118-
147
Dec. 12, 2024
H.R. 3391
Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 Public Law 118-228
Jan. 4, 2025
S. 1351
Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act Public Law 118-194
Dec. 23, 2024
S. 1147
Jenna Quinn Law Public Law 118-193
Dec. 23, 2024
H.R. 2365
Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to
End Parkinson's Act Public Law 118-66
Jul. 2, 2024
S. 265
SIREN Reauthorization Act Public Law 118-84
Sept. 26, 2024
S. 134
Alzheimer's Accountability and Investment Act Public Law 118-93
Oct. 1, 2024
S. 133
NAPA Reauthorization Act Public Law 118-92
Oct. 1, 2024
III. HEARINGS BY FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES
HEARINGS BY THE FULL COMMITTEE
EXAMINING HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE SHORTAGES: WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Examining the health care workforce shortages
Date: Feb. 16, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-187)
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS: SAVING LIVES, SAVING MONEY
Examining the community health centers
Date: Mar. 2, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-188)
DEFENDING THE RIGHT OF WORKERS TO ORGANIZE UNIONS FREE FROM ILLEGAL
CORPORATE UNION-BUSTING
Examining defending the right of workers to organize unions free from
illegal corporate union-busting
Date: Mar. 8, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-189)
TAXPAYERS PAID BILLIONS FOR IT: SO WHY WOULD MODERNA CONSIDER
QUADRUPLING THE PRICE OF THE COVID VACCINE?
Examining the Moderna considering quadrupling the price of the COVID
vaccine
Date: Mar. 22, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-190)
NO COMPANY IS ABOVE THE LAW: THE NEED TO END ILLEGAL UNION BUSTING AT
STARBUCKS
Examining the need to end illegal union busting at Starbucks
Date: Mar. 29, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-191)
NOMINATION OF JULIE SU TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF LABOR
Examining the nomination of Julie A. Su, of California, to be Secretary
of Labor
Date: Apr. 20, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-196)
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY: REAUTHORIZING THE
PANDEMIC AND ALL-HAZARDS PREPAREDNESS ACT
Examining the preparing for the next public health emergency, focusing
on reauthorizing the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act
Date: May 4, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-197)
THE NEED TO MAKE INSULIN AFFORDABLE FOR ALL AMERICANS
Examining the need to make insulin affordable for all Americans
Date: May 10, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-198)
ROUNDTABLE: HOW CAN WE IMPROVE HEALTH WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND ADDRESS
SHORTAGES? A CONVERSATION WITH HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGE AND
UNIVERSITY LEADERS AND STUDENTS
(Field Hearing, Atlanta, GA)
Date: May 12, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-199)
SOLVING THE CHILD CARE CRISIS: MEETING THE NEEDS OF WORKING FAMILIES
AND CHILD CARE WORKERS
Examining the solving the child care crisis, focusing on meeting the
needs of working families and child care workers
Date: May 31, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-201)
WHY ARE SO MANY AMERICAN YOUTH IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS? EXPLORING
CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
Examining the American youth mental health crisis, focusing on causes
and solutions
Date: Jun. 8, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-202)
NOMINATION OF MONICA BERTAGNOLLI TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Examining the Nomination of Monica Bertagnolli to be Director of the
National Institutes of Health
Date: Sept. 18, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-204)
STANDING UP AGAINST CORPORATE GREED: HOW UNIONS ARE IMPROVING THE LIVES
OF WORKING FAMILIES
Examining the standing up against corporate greed, focusing on how
unions are improving the lives of working families
Date: Nov. 14, 2023
Number of volumes: Two (S. Hrg. 118-210)
WHAT IS FUELING THE DIABETES EPIDEMIC?
Examining the diabetes epidemic
Date: Dec. 14, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-211)
ADDRESSING LONG COVID: ADVANCING RESEARCH AND IMPROVING PATIENT CARE
Examining addressing long COVID, focusing on advancing research and
improving patient care
Date: Jan. 18, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-319)
WHY DOES THE UNITED STATES PAY, BY FAR, THE HIGHEST PRICES IN THE WORLD
FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUGS?
Examining the cost of prescription drugs
Date: Feb. 8, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-320)
TAKING A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE RETIREMENT CRISIS IN AMERICA: WHAT CAN WE
DO TO EXPAND DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS FOR WORKERS?
Examining the retirement crisis in America, focusing on expanding
defined benefit pension plans for workers
Date: Feb. 28, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-321)
THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT: SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
SENIORS
Examining the Older Americans Act, focusing on supporting efforts to
meet the needs of seniors
Date: Mar. 7, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-322)
WORKERS SHOULD BENEFIT FROM NEW TECHNOLOGY AND INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY:
THE NEED FOR A 32-HOUR WORK WEEK WITH NO LOSS IN PAY
Examining workers benefitting from new technology and increased
productivity, including S. 3947, to amend the Fair Labor Standards
Act of 1938 to reduce the standard workweek from 40 hours per week
to 32 hours per week
Date: Mar. 14, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-329)
WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO TO ADDRESS THE SEVERE SHORTAGE OF MINORITY HEALTH
CARE PROFESSIONALS AND THE MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS?
Examining what Congress can do to address the severe shortage of
minority health care professionals and the maternal health crisis
Date: May 2, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-331)
EXAMINING THE DENTAL CARE CRISIS IN AMERICA: HOW CAN WE MAKE DENTAL
CARE MORE AFFORDABLE AND MORE AVAILABLE?
Examining the dental care crisis in America, focusing on making dental
care more affordable and more available
Date: May 16, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-332)
THE ASSAULT ON WOMEN'S FREEDOMS: HOW ABORTION BANS HAVE CREATED A
HEALTH CARE NIGHTMARE ACROSS AMERICA
Examining women's freedoms, focusing on access to abortions across
America
Date: June 4, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-465)
THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT: SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO
MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUTH WORKERS, AND EMPLOYERS
Examining the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, focusing on
supporting efforts to meet the needs of youth, workers, and
employers
Date: June 12, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-466)
THE IMMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM CHALLENGES FACING PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS:
LOW PAY, TEACHER SHORTAGES, AND UNDERFUNDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Examining the immediate and long-term challenges facing public school
teachers, focusing on low pay, teacher shortages, and underfunded
public schools
Date: June 20, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-468)
WHAT CAN CONGRESS DO TO END THE MEDICAL DEBT CRISIS IN AMERICA?
Examining what Congress can do to end the medical debt crisis in
America
Date: July 11, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-471)
EXAMINING THE BANKRUPTCY OF STEWARD HEALTH CARE: HOW MANAGEMENT
DECISIONS HAVE IMPACTED PATIENT CARE
Examining the bankruptcy of Steward Health Care, focusing on how
management decisions have impacted patient care
Date: September 12, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-472)
WHY IS NOVO NORDISK CHARGING AMERICANS WITH DIABETES AND OBESITY
OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH PRICES FOR OZEMPIC AND WEGOVY?
Examining Novo Nordisk's high prices for Ozempic and Wegovy for
patients with diabetes and obesity
Date: September 24, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-473)
WHAT IS THE FDA DOING TO REDUCE THE DIABETES AND OBESITY EPIDEMICS IN
AMERICA AND TAKE ON THE GREED OF THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY?
Examining what the Food and Drug Administration is doing to reduce the
diabetes and obesity epidemics in America, focusing on the food and
beverage industry
Date: December 5, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-507)
HEARINGS ON NOMINATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Julie A. Su, of California, to be Secretary of Labor
Date: Apr. 20, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-196)
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
Monica Bertagnolli to be Director of the National Institutes of Health
Date: Sept. 18, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-204)
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
EVERYDAY EXPENSES AND EVERYDAY AMERICANS: HOW HIGH COSTS IMPACT
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Date: July 9, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-469).
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIPS: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS, STRENGTHENING CAREER
PATHWAYS
Date: Mar. 12, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-323).
DIGGING DEEPER FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY: EXAMINING NEW STANDARDS AND
PRACTICES IN MINING
Date: May 22, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-334).
DIGGING DEEPER: BUILDING OUR CRITICAL MINERALS WORKFORCE
Date: June 12, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-467).
READING THE ROOM: PREPARING WORKERS FOR AI
Date: September 25, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-474)
AI AND THE FUTURE OF WORK: MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
Date: Oct. 31, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-208)
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON PRIMARY HEALTH AND RETIREMENT SECURITY
A CRISIS IN MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CARE: CLOSING GAPS
IN ACCESS BY BRINGING CARE AND PREVENTION TO COMMUNITIES
Date: May 17, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-200).
SUPERBUGS: THE IMPACT OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE ON MODERN MEDICINE
Date: Jul. 11, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-203).
OVERWORKED AND UNDERVALUED: IS THE SEVERE HOSPITAL STAFFING CRISIS
ENDANGERING THE WELL-BEING OF PATIENTS AND NURSES?
(Field Hearing, New Brunswick, NJ)
Date: Oct. 27, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-207).
AVOIDING A CAUTIONARY TALE: POLICY CONSIDERATIONS FOR ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTH CARE
Date: Nov. 6, 2023
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-209).
WHEN HEALTH CARE BECOMES WEALTH CARE: HOW CORPORATE GREED PUTS PATIENT
CARE AND HEALTH WORKERS AT RISK
(Field Hearing, Boston, MA)
Date Apr. 3, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-330).
FEEDING A HEALTHIER AMERICA: CURRENT EFFORTS AND POTENTIAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOOD IS MEDICINE
Date: May 21, 2024
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 118-333).
V. RULES OF PROCEDURE
Rules of Procedure (as Agreed to January 16, 2021)
Rule 1.--Subject to the provisions of rule XXVI, paragraph
5, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, regular meetings of the
committee shall be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of
each month, at 10:00 a.m., in room SD-430, Dirksen Senate
Office Building. The chairman may, upon proper notice, call
such additional meetings as he may deem necessary.
Rule 2.--The chairman of the committee or of a
subcommittee, or if the chairman is not present, the ranking
majority member present, shall preside at all meetings. The
chairman may designate the ranking minority member to preside
at hearings of the committee or subcommittee.
Rule 3.--Meetings of the committee or a subcommittee,
including meetings to conduct hearings, shall be open to the
public except as otherwise specifically provided in subsections
(b) and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate.
Rule 4.--(a) Subject to paragraph (b), one-third of the
membership of the committee, actually present, shall constitute
a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. Any quorum of
the committee which is composed of less than a majority of the
members of the committee shall include at least one member of
the majority and one member of the minority.
(b) A majority of the members of a subcommittee, actually
present, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of
transacting business: provided, no measure or matter shall be
ordered reported unless such majority shall include at least
one member of the minority who is a member of the subcommittee.
If, at any subcommittee meeting, a measure or matter cannot be
ordered reported because of the absence of such a minority
member, the measure or matter shall lay over for a day. If the
presence of a member of the minority is not then obtained, a
majority of the members of the subcommittee, actually present,
may order such measure or matter reported.
(c) No measure or matter shall be ordered reported from the
committee or a subcommittee unless a majority of the committee
or subcommittee is physically present.
Rule 5.--With the approval of the chairman of the committee
or subcommittee, one member thereof may conduct public hearings
other than taking sworn testimony.
Rule 6.--Proxy voting shall be allowed on all measures and
matters before the committee or a subcommittee if the absent
member has been informed of the matter on which he is being
recorded and has affirmatively requested that he be so
recorded. While proxies may be voted on a motion to report a
measure or matter from the committee, such a motion shall also
require the concurrence of a majority of the members who are
actually present at the time such action is taken.
The committee may poll any matters of committee business as
a matter of unanimous consent; provided that every member is
polled and every poll consists of the following two questions:
(1) Do you agree or disagree to poll the proposal;
and
(2) Do you favor or oppose the proposal.
Rule 7.--There shall be prepared and kept a complete
transcript or electronic recording adequate to fully record the
proceedings of each committee or subcommittee meeting or
conference whether or not such meetings or any part thereof is
closed pursuant to the specific provisions of subsections (b)
and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
unless a majority of said members vote to forgo such a record.
Such records shall contain the vote cast by each member of the
committee or subcommittee on any question on which a ``yea and
nay'' vote is demanded, and shall be available for inspection
by any committee member. The clerk of the committee, or the
clerk's designee, shall have the responsibility to make
appropriate arrangements to implement this rule.
Rule 8.--The committee and each subcommittee shall
undertake, consistent with the provisions of rule XXVI,
paragraph 4, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, to issue
public announcement of any hearing or executive session it
intends to hold at least one week prior to the commencement of
such hearing or executive session. In the case of an executive
session, the text of any bill or joint resolution to be
considered must be provided to the chairman for prompt
electronic distribution to the members of the committee.
Rule 9.--The committee or a subcommittee shall require all
witnesses heard before it to file written statements of their
proposed testimony at least 24 hours before a hearing, unless
the chairman and the ranking minority member determine that
there is good cause for failure to so file, and to limit their
oral presentation to brief summaries of their arguments.
Testimony may be filed electronically. The presiding officer at
any hearing is authorized to limit the time of each witness
appearing before the committee or a subcommittee. The committee
or a subcommittee shall, as far as practicable, utilize
testimony previously taken on bills and measures similar to
those before it for consideration.
Rule 10.--Should a subcommittee fail to report back to the
full committee on any measure within a reasonable time, the
chairman may withdraw the measure from such subcommittee and
report that fact to the full committee for further disposition.
Rule 11.--No subcommittee may schedule a meeting or hearing
at a time designated for a hearing or meeting of the full
committee. No more than one subcommittee executive meeting may
be held at the same time.
Rule 12.--It shall be the duty of the chairman in
accordance with section 133(c) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended, to report or cause to
be reported to the Senate, any measure or recommendation
approved by the committee and to take or cause to be taken,
necessary steps to bring the matter to a vote in the Senate.
Rule 13.--Whenever a meeting of the committee or
subcommittee is closed pursuant to the provisions of subsection
(b) or (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no
person other than members of the committee, members of the
staff of the committee, and designated assistants to members of
the committee shall be permitted to attend such closed session,
except by special dispensation of the committee or subcommittee
or the chairman thereof.
Rule 14.--The chairman of the committee or a subcommittee
shall be empowered to adjourn any meeting of the committee or a
subcommittee if a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes
of the time schedule for such meeting.
Rule 15.--Whenever a bill or joint resolution shall be
before the committee or a subcommittee for final consideration,
the clerk shall distribute to each member of the committee or
subcommittee a document, prepared by the sponsor of the bill or
joint resolution. If the bill or joint resolution has no
underlying statutory language, the document shall consist of a
detailed summary of the purpose and impact of each section. If
the bill or joint resolution repeals or amends any statute or
part thereof, the document shall consist of a detailed summary
of the underlying statute and the proposed changes in each
section of the underlying law and either a print of the statute
or the part or section thereof to be amended or replaced
showing by stricken-through type, the part or parts to be
omitted and, in italics, the matter proposed to be added, along
with a summary of the proposed changes; or a side-by-side
document showing a comparison of current law, the proposed
legislative changes, and a detailed description of the proposed
changes.
Rule 16.--An appropriate opportunity shall be given the
minority to examine the proposed text of committee reports
prior to their filing or publication. In the event there are
supplemental, minority, or additional views, an appropriate
opportunity shall be given the majority to examine the proposed
text prior to filing or publication. Unless the chairman and
ranking minority member agree on a shorter period of time, the
minority shall have no fewer than three business days to
prepare supplemental, minority or additional views for
inclusion in a committee report from the time the majority
makes the proposed text of the committee report available to
the minority.
Rule 17.--(a) The committee, or any subcommittee, may issue
subpoenas, or hold hearings to take sworn testimony or hear
subpoenaed witnesses, only if such investigative activity has
been authorized by majority vote of the committee.
(b) for the purpose of holding a hearing to take sworn
testimony or hear subpoenaed witnesses, three members of the
committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum: provided,
with the concurrence of the chairman and ranking minority
member of the com- mittee or subcommittee, a single member may
hear subpoenaed witnesses or take sworn testimony.
(c) The committee may, by a majority vote, delegate the
authority to issue subpoenas to the chairman of the committee
or a subcommittee, or to any member designated by such
chairman. Prior to the issuance of each subpoena, the ranking
minority member of the committee or subcommittee, and any other
member so requesting, shall be notified regarding the identity
of the person to whom it will be issued and the nature of the
information sought and its relationship to the authorized
investigative activity, except where the chairman of the
committee or subcommittee, in consultation with the ranking
minority member, determines that such notice would unduly
impede the investigation. All information obtained pursuant to
such investigative activity shall be made available as promptly
as possible to each member of the committee requesting same, or
to any assistant to a member of the committee designated by
such member in writing, but the use of any such information is
subject to restrictions imposed by the rules of the Senate.
Such information, to the extent that it is relevant to the
investigation shall, if requested by a member, be summarized in
writing as soon as practicable. Upon the request of any member,
the chairman of the committee or subcommittee shall call an
executive session to discuss such investigative activity or the
issuance of any subpoena in connection therewith.
(d) Any witness summoned to testify at a hearing, or any
witness giving sworn testimony, may be accompanied by counsel
of his own choosing who shall be permitted, while the witness
is testifying, to advise him of his legal rights.
(e) No confidential testimony taken or confidential
material presented in an executive hearing, or any report of
the proceedings of such an executive hearing, shall be made
public, either in whole or in part or by way of summary, unless
authorized by a majority of the members of the committee or
subcommittee.
Rule 18.--Presidential nominees shall submit a statement of
their background and financial interests, including the
financial interests of their spouse and children living in
their household, on a form approved by the committee which
shall be sworn to as to its completeness and accuracy. The
committee form shall be in two parts--
(I) information relating to employment, education and
background of the nominee relating to the position to
which the individual is nominated, and which is to be
made public; and,
(II) information relating to financial and other
background of the nominee, to be made public when the
committee determines that such information bears
directly on the nominee's qualifications to hold the
position to which the individual is nominated.
Information relating to background and financial interests
(parts I and II) shall not be required of nominees for less
than full-time appointments to councils, commissions or boards
when the committee determines that some or all of the
information is not relevant to the nature of the position.
Information relating to other background and financial
interests (part II) shall not be required of any nominee when
the committee determines that it is not relevant to the nature
of the position.
Committee action on a nomination, including hearings or
meetings to consider a motion to recommend confirmation, shall
not be initiated until at least five days after the nominee
submits the form required by this rule unless the chairman,
with the concurrence of the ranking minority member, waives
this waiting period.
Rule 19.--Subject to statutory requirements imposed on the
committee with respect to procedure, the rules of the committee
may be changed, modified, amended or suspended at any time;
provided, not less than a majority of the entire membership so
determine at a regular meeting with due notice, or at a meeting
specifically called for that purpose.
Rule 20.--When the ratio of members on the committee is
even, the term ``majority'' as used in the committee's rules
and guidelines shall refer to the party of the chairman for
purposes of party identification. Numerical requirements for
quorums, votes and the like shall be unaffected.
Rule 21.--First degree amendments must be filed with the
chairman at least 24 hours before an executive session. The
chairman shall promptly distribute all filed amendments
electronically to the members of the committee. The chairman
may modify the filing requirements to meet special
circumstances with the concurrence of the ranking minority
member.
Rule 22.--In addition to the foregoing, the proceedings of
the committee shall be governed by the Standing Rules of the
Senate and the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act
of 1946, as amended.
* * * * * * *
Guidelines of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions With Respect to Hearings, Markup Sessions, and Related Matters
HEARINGS
Section 133A(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act
requires each committee of the Senate to publicly announce the
date, place, and subject matter of any hearing at least one
week prior to the commencement of such hearing.
The spirit of this requirement is to assure adequate notice
to the public and other Members of the Senate as to the time
and subject matter of proposed hearings. In the spirit of
section 133A(a) and in order to assure that members of the
committee are themselves fully informed and involved in the
development of hearings:
1. Public notice of the date, place, and subject
matter of each committee or subcommittee hearing should
be inserted in the Congressional Record seven days
prior to the commencement of such hearing.
2. At least seven days prior to public notice of each
committee or subcommittee hearing, the majority should
provide notice to the minority of the time, place and
specific subject matter of such hearing.
3. At least three days prior to the date of such
hearing, the committee or subcommittee should provide
to each member a list of witnesses who have been or are
proposed to be invited to appear.
4. The committee and its subcommittee should, to the
maximum feasible extent, enforce the provisions of rule
9 of the committee rules as it relates to the
submission of written statements of witnesses twenty-
four hours in advance of a hearing. Witnesses will be
urged to submit testimony even earlier whenever
possible. When statements are received in advance of a
hearing, the committee or subcommittee (as appropriate)
should distribute copies of such statements to each of
its members. Witness testimony may be submitted and
distributed electronically.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF MARKING UP BILLS
In order to expedite the process of marking up bills and to
assist each member of the committee so that there may be full
and fair consideration of each bill which the committee or a
subcommittee is marking up the following procedures should be
followed:
1. Seven days prior to the proposed date for an executive
session for the purpose of marking up bills the committee or
subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide written notice to
each of its members as to the time, place, and specific subject
matter of such session, including an agenda listing each bill
or other matters to be considered and including:
(a) a copy of each bill, joint resolution, or other
legislative matter (or committee print thereof) to be
considered at such executive session; and
(b) a copy of a summary of the provisions of each
bill, joint resolution, or other legislative matter to
be considered at such executive session including,
whenever possible, an explanation of changes to
existing law proposed to be made.
2. Insofar as practical, prior to the scheduled date for an
executive session for the purpose of marking up bills, the
committee or a subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide
each member with a copy of the printed record or a summary of
any hearings conducted by the committee or a subcommittee with
respect to each bill, joint resolution, or other legislative
matter to be considered at such executive session.