Summary
Congress returns from recess to tackle a slew of priorities. The House will vote on a pair of gun reform bills, that include several of the measures recommended by President Biden in a speech urging lawmakers to address gun violence. However, the Senate is unlikely to consider them in anticipation of a bipartisan deal under negotiations. The House will also vote on a Food and Drug (FDA) user fee reauthorization package, while the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will mark-up its version of the bill. The House and Senate will also work on the Farm bill and rural health access at the committee level, respectively.
As for budget reconciliation, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) appear to have not yet reached a deal on a slimmed-down version of the Build Back Better Act. The legislative vehicle could include an extension to advance premium tax credits enhancements (which expire at the end of 2022) and prescription drug pricing reform.
On the regulatory front, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to soon release its proposed calendar year (CY) 2023 annual Medicare payment updates.