MIL USHOR-2b Engine

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08), introduced the bipartisan Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (MAIA), legislation aimed at strengthening the Medicare Advantage program to protect healthcare for seniors. Congresswoman Schrier is joined in introducing this legislation by Reps John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Beth Van Duyne (TX-24), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01).

“Health insurance companies have abused Medicare Advantage plans for too long, and they continue to skyrocket costs, deny coverage, and force taxpayers to pay the price. We need increased oversight into the Medicare Advantage program so that all seniors get the care they were promised,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “I am extremely proud to have worked on these much-needed Medicare Advantage reforms, which will hold insurance companies accountable and get patients timely, quality care.” 

This bill will implement sweeping Medicare Advantage reforms aimed at: 

• Protecting patients from unnecessary delays and denials.
• Standardizing coverage criteria between MA and traditional Medicare.
• Penalizing plans that fail to meet oversight and compliance benchmarks.
• Reducing administrative burdens through real-time and automated systems.
• Strengthening patient access to post-acute care providers.

“Medicare is a promise to America’s seniors that they will have dependable access to quality healthcare in their later years. However, that promise has been undermined by unnecessary barriers to care—particularly through excessive use of prior authorization and inappropriate coverage denials in Medicare Advantage,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13). “As a physician, I have seen firsthand how these delays harm patients and take valuable time away from the doctor-patient relationship. The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act will restore accountability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ensure that seniors receive timely, high-quality care.” 

“Medicare Advantage should work for seniors, not enable health insurers to deny life-saving care. The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act is a commonsense step to rein in excessive prior authorization abuse, ensure timely access to care, and restore accountability in a system that too often delays or denies needed treatment. I’m proud to help lead this effort to strengthen Medicare Advantage and uphold the promise we’ve made to America’s seniors,” said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. (NC-03).

“For too long, cases of abuse have crept into Medicare Advantage, pulling it away from its core mission of serving America’s seniors,” said Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, M.D. (IA-01). “As a physician, I’ve seen how these practices delay care, create unnecessary barriers, and increases the cost of healthcare. This bill restores accountability, cracks down on bad actors, and ensures Iowa seniors can access the care they need, without delay, without denial, and without interference from bureaucratic red tape.”

“Medicare Advantage can play an important role in helping seniors access quality, affordable care, but that only works if plans are holding up their end of the bargain,” said Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06). “Right now, too many seniors are running into barriers that delay treatment and create confusion for patients and providers alike. This legislation is about bringing more accountability and oversight to Medicare Advantage so plans better serve the people they are supposed to serve. I’m proud to join this bipartisan effort to strengthen the program and protect our seniors.”

“Medicare Advantage plans too often leave seniors fighting their health insurance companies to obtain lifesaving care in a timely manner,” said Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “Our bipartisan bill would make critical reforms to avoid lengthy prior authorization delays and opaque denials of coverage, while improving transparency, expediting payments for previously authorized services, and holding irresponsible actors accountable. I’ll always work with my colleagues across the aisle to make sure Congress does its part to get working families in the 19th Congressional District the affordable, accessible healthcare they need when they need it.”

“Seniors in North Texas who rely on Medicare Advantage did not sign up to navigate a maze of bureaucracy, fight inconsistent coverage standards, or wait for care their doctors already approved,” saidCongresswoman Beth Van Duyne (TX-24). “The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act cuts through the red tape, holds insurance companies accountable, and ensures American seniors get the care they deserve.”

CLICK HERE to view the full text of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (MAIA).

CLICK HERE to view the section-by-section.

Support from Stakeholders:

“Medicare Advantage was intended to provide more options and improve outcomes for seniors, but in too many cases it is creating new barriers,” said Eduardo Conrado, President and CEO of Ascension. “Our physicians and care teams see it every day. Prior authorizations and inappropriate denials delay care and create confusion when patients need clarity and support most. We are committed to being part of the solution. This legislation is an important step toward strengthening the doctor-patient relationship, improving transparency, and helping Medicare Advantage better serve seniors and the clinicians who care for them.”

“On behalf of our 800+ inpatient rehabilitation hospital members, the American Medical Rehabilitation Providers Association (AMRPA) applauds Dr. Joyce and his colleagues for introducing the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (MAIA),” said Kate Beller, President of AMRPA. “AMRPA member hospitals help patients maximize their health, functional ability, and independence following serious illness or injury. This legislation will provide timely and essential reforms to ensure that Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program are able to access the critical services provided by inpatient rehabilitation providers and, in turn, return to their home or community at higher rates than any other post-acute care setting. As AMRPA’s recent member survey shows, far too many seniors currently face unnecessary delays and erroneous denials after getting a referral for medically necessary inpatient rehabilitation care. This bill takes a critical step forward in accelerating determination timeframes, increasing plan transparency and oversight, and reducing administrative burdens for patients, caregivers, and providers. This commonsense legislation will strengthen Medicare Advantage and provide immediate protections to the patients served by the program, particularly those in need of inpatient rehabilitation. We look forward to working with our Congressional champions and allied organizations to get this vital bill signed into law.”

 “I want to commend Dr. Joyce and his colleagues for introducing the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act. Dr. Joyce, along with many of his physician colleagues in Congress, understand the daily challenges our patients face. While Medicare Advantage promises many benefits, its current form presents significant obstacles to care, causes confusion and delays, and limits provider choice. It is not the optimal solution for everyone,” said Anthony Misitano, President and CEO of PAM Health. “However, with more than half of all Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, we recognize the program’s importance and strongly support legislation to improve it so it can fulfill its goal of providing seniors with timely, efficient access to high-quality medical care and services. On behalf of our patients nationwide, I thank Dr. Joyce and his colleagues for safeguarding patient care and working to strengthen this critical program.”

“Across the communities we serve, we see too many seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage struggling to get the care they need — facing delays, unexpected denials, and confusion at moments when they should be focused on their health,” said Kevin Hammons, CEO of Community Health Systems. “When care becomes unpredictable, it creates stress and uncertainty for patients and their families and can stand in the way of timely treatment.  We thank Dr. Joyce and his colleagues for their leadership in introducing the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act. By improving prior authorization processes, reducing unnecessary administrative barriers, and increasing transparency, this legislation will help create a more consistent, dependable experience for seniors and strengthen Medicare Advantage for the long term.”

“Medicare Advantage has grown rapidly, and we are proud of our ability to meet the needs of many patients who are covered by the program,” said Mark Tarr, President and Chief Executive Officer of Encompass Health. “However, Medicare Advantage prior authorization and patient access issues persist.  With the introduction of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act, we are excited that policymakers in Congress are now closer to making much-needed changes to strengthen oversight for plans that fail to meet compliance standards, and expand access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, ensuring patients can receive the care they need without unnecessary barriers.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (HI-01) reported that his Appropriations Committee approved its second Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 funding measure : the Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill, which funds the Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Treasury Department, federal courts, the Federal Communications Commission, the Office of Personnel Management and various independent agencies.

The bill’s proposed FY 2027 discretionary funding level is $25.3 billion, about $1 billion below the current FY 2026 enacted level. 

Case voted against the final measure because of unacceptable cuts to key programs. However, he worked with majority and minority Appropriations colleagues to incorporate several of his requests into the bill, most particularly funding for key Native Hawaiian programs that are under direct threat in the Trump administration’s FY 2027 budget request.  

The measure provides $35 million for Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Native Initiatives that support indigenous peoples to include Native Hawaiians; appropriates $5.3 million for the SBA Native American Outreach Program that focuses on creating entrepreneurial opportunities for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; includes language in support of the SBA 8(a) Program and questions efforts to terminate the 8(a) status of hundreds of small businesses; and includes funding for other programs that help America’s indigenous peoples.

On small businesses, Case highlighted a mixed result. The bill provides $827.8 million for the SBA, an increase of $498.8 million above the President’s budget request of just $329 million. However, it only includes $285.5 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs, a decrease of $44.5 million below the FY 2026 enacted level.

“These SBA programs are critical to sustaining and growing Hawaii’s 134,000 small businesses, especially as we foster the entrepreneurism that is so necessary to today’s economic health,” said Case. “The measure is far better than the President’s budget proposal but does not go far enough to support federal programs assisting small businesses, including specific efforts to aid entrepreneurs, provide mentorship training, and expand trade opportunities in the international marketplace.”

“Additionally, the bill does nothing to alleviate the strain on working families who are struggling just to get by as the cost-of-living crisis continues unabated.

“In fact, it makes this problem even worse by failing to include a pay raise for federal employees who will otherwise take an effective pay cut given rising costs and inflation.”

The White House budget proposal for FY 2027 and the bill were “silent” on a civilian federal pay raise, effectively proposing a freeze for 2027. Case voted for an amendment that would have provided them with a pay raise in 2027, but the amendment was defeated.

Case said the bill also includes language expressing concerns over the SBA’s grant application review procedures for prospective disaster loan recipients and challenges with delayed processing and reimbursements. These have been particular concerns of Hawai’i small businesses in recovering from recent disasters. Case’s Committee directed the SBA to develop a plan to reduce these delays and report its findings and proposed policy changes to the Committee by March 2027. 

Case gained approval of his funding requests for several other specific federal programs and services especially important for Hawai‘i, including:  

·        $5.3 million for the SBA Native American Outreach Program.  

·        $140 million for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which supports six SBDCs in Hawai‘i.

·        $32 million for the Microloan Technical Assistance Program. 

·        $27 million for the Women’s Business Centers Program, which supports the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership. 

·        $5 million for the Regional Innovation Clusters Program.  

·        $15 million for the State Trade Expansion Program. 

·        $4 million for the Historically Underutilized Business Zones Program.  

·        $277 million for the CDFI Fund Program. In Hawai‘i alone, there are 10 certified CDFIs that have loans totaling $56 million as of March 2026.

·        $109 million for the Drug-Free Communities Program. 

·        $300 million for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program. 

·        $1.8 billion for Defender Services.  

Case noted as another serious deficiency in the measure its failure to address the real risks from climate change. He specifically referenced partisan riders that: 

·        Prohibit the SBA from funding climate change initiatives to help small businesses cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. 

·        Prohibit investment options under the Thrift Savings Plan (the federal employees pension plan) that make investment decisions based on environmental, social or governance criteria.  

·        Prohibit the procurement of electric vehicles, electric vehicle batteries, electric vehicle charging stations or infrastructure. 

Finally, the bill only provides $15 million in funding for Election Security Grants to safeguard elections and democracy, $30 million below FY 2026. “This represents an unacceptable further attack on our national election process further removing federal guardrails against fundraising abuses, misinformation and disinformation, election processing security and more,” warned Case.  

The measure is the second of the twelve bills to be taken up by the House Appropriations Committee that will collectively fund the federal government for FY 2027 (commencing October 1, 2026). The bill now moves on to the full House of Representatives for its consideration.  

A summary of the FSGG Appropriations bill is available is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif)

Washington, D.C. – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) introduced the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act (MAIA), legislation aimed at reforming the Medicare Advantage program and ensuring seniors receive timely, reliable access to the care they have earned and deserve.

“Medicare Advantage plans too often leave seniors fighting their health insurance companies to obtain lifesaving care in a timely manner,” said Rep. Panetta. “Our bipartisan bill would make critical reforms to avoid lengthy prior authorization delays and opaque denials of coverage, while improving transparency, expediting payments for previously authorized services, and holding irresponsible actors accountable. I’ll always work with my colleagues across the aisle to make sure Congress does its part to get working families in the 19th Congressional District the affordable, accessible healthcare they need when they need it.”

“Medicare is a promise to America’s seniors that they will have dependable access to quality healthcare in their later years. However, that promise has been undermined by unnecessary barriers to care—particularly through excessive use of prior authorization and inappropriate coverage denials in Medicare Advantage,” said Rep. Joyce. “As a physician, I have seen firsthand how these delays harm patients and take valuable time away from the doctor-patient relationship. The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act will restore accountability, reduce unnecessary barriers, and ensure that seniors receive timely, high-quality care.” 

The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act would implement sweeping reforms aimed at:

• Protecting patients from unnecessary delays and denials.
• Standardizing coverage criteria between MA and traditional Medicare.
• Increasing transparency in prior authorization and compliance.
• Penalizing plans that fail to meet oversight and compliance benchmarks.
• Reducing administrative burdens through real-time and automated systems.
• Strengthening patient access to post-acute care providers.

In short, the bill would make Medicare Advantage faster, more transparent, and more patient-friendly, while curbing cost-cutting practices that have drawn scrutiny from regulators and providers.

The Medicare Advantage Improvement Act is cosponsored by: Representatives Kim Schrier (WA-08), Greg Murphy (NC-03), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Ami Bera (CA-06), and Beth Van Duyne (TX-24).

Full text of the bill is available here.

A section-by-section is available here.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42)

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) joined a majority of the House Appropriations Committee to pass the Fiscal Year 2027 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill. 

The bill included the following USPS priorities for Riverside County, which were requested by Rep. Calvert:

• Eastvale Post Office: The bill directs the Postal Service to report on the metrics used to determine new facility acquisition and an analysis on the acquisition of a new post office for Eastvale
• Eastvale Zip Code: The bill directs the Postal Service to conduct a review of all overlapping municipal zip code jurisdictions that result in incorrect city listings and to provide a report on their findings and what solutions could be used to fix these issues, including designating a single unique zip code for Eastvale and other cities.

“Eastvale is one of the largest cities in the state that does not have its own post office,” said Rep. Calvert. “Local residents and small business owners should have access to USPS services without having to drive long distances. Since the city’s incorporation, Eastvale residents have regularly voiced frustrations with the lack of a unique zip code properly identifying the city. I have and will continue to work with Eastvale officials to support their USPS priorities.”

The bill included the following SBA priority for Riverside County, which were requested by Rep. Calvert:

• Coachella Valley SBA Office: The bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to fill the long vacant Senior Area Manager position at the SBA Coachella Valley office before hiring any new staff at the SBA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

“Many of the small businesses in the Coachella Valley need assistance with the SBA benefits that help them keep their doors open,” said Rep. Calvert. “This office has been vacant for years dating back to the Biden Administration, which is totally unacceptable. I will keep fighting to get our job creators the help they need.”

The bill included the following Office of National Drug Control Policy priority, which was requested by Rep. Calvert:

• High Intensity Drug Trafficking Program: The bill provides increased funding for the HIDTA program, which provides assistance to Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.

“The HIDTA Program brings a whole of government approach to getting drugs off the streets in communities that are significantly impacted by illicit drug trafficking,” said Rep. Calvert. “The funding increase in this bill will give law enforcement more resources to protect Americans from these deadly drugs.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. —  Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) today applauded the U.S. Army’s decision to establish the Army Data Operations Command (ADOC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) in Maryland’s First District, after advocating—at the request of the Army Alliance—for APG to serve as the command’s permanent home.

In a February 24 letter to Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, Congressman Harris made the case for APG, highlighting its unmatched capabilities to support ADOC’s mission and urging the Army to permanently base the command there.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“ADOC belongs at Aberdeen Proving Ground. This decision puts a critical national security capability in Maryland’s First District, where the expertise and infrastructure already exist to get the job done, and reinforces APG’s role at the forefront of data, cyber, and network operation.”

Full text of the letter can be viewed here.

For media inquiries, please contact Michella Carter at Michella.Carter@mail.house.gov

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-MD), and U.S. Representatives Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Glenn Ivey (MD-04), Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), April McClain Delaney (MD-06), and Johnny Olszewski (MD-02) released the following statement on the USDA announcing the advancement of the agency’s unlawful restructuring plan, which includes the closure of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) in Prince George’s County:

“Based in Prince George’s County for over a century, BARC has a proud history of supporting American farmers’ efforts to put food on our tables. Recognizing its importance to our agricultural sector and our economy, Federal Team Maryland fought to make it clear in law – passed on a bipartisan basis by the House and Senate – that this facility must be kept open and upgraded so that it can continue its important work. In attempting to shutter the facility, the USDA is breaking the law. We will not stand idly by as they try to do so. Let us be clear: closing this critical facility will do nothing to improve efficiency – it will only end up wasting taxpayer dollars while jeopardizing the success of farmers across the country. We remain committed to seeing that USDA follows the law and keeps BARC operational as we intended.”

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced that the Memphis-based Mid-South Development District will receive Round Four Regional Infrastructure Accelerators Program funding of $1,150,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support an array of local transportation infrastructure projects.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“As America’s Distribution Center, Memphis is the hub in a transportation network that drives commerce and produces skilled workers. This Department of Transportation funding will help make more efficient the delivery of goods and services and strengthen our local economy.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today announced $7,619,427 in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants to three Memphis-based medical research centers. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will receive $6,752,102 from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) under a Cancer Center Support grant to advance cures for pediatric cancer. St. Jude will also receive an NCI grant of $38,009 for its pediatric oncology career development program and $79,780 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research into fluconazole resistance under the direction of Dr. Darian Santana of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

The University of Memphis will receive a grant of $365,000 from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences for environmental research and the University of Tennessee Heath Science Center (UTHSC) will receive a grant of $41,536 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for research on aspergillosis under the direction of Dr. Harrison Thorn in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

“Memphis is fortunate to have these three world-renown medical research institutions, and I am pleased to see this substantial federal investment in the important work they do. I congratulate all of those whose research will be underwritten by these grants for their life-saving efforts.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (8th District of Illinois)

SCHAUMBURG, IL — Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) issued the following statement after President Donald Trump reposted a podcast promoting racist attacks against India and immigrants:

“Donald Trump’s decision to amplify a racist rant attacking India and immigrants is disgraceful and beneath the office he holds. His rhetoric doesn’t just insult millions of Indian Americans and one of our most important global partners—it undermines the values that have made America a nation of opportunity and innovation. We should be strengthening that partnership and honoring our diversity, not stoking division for political gain.”