Summary
With Congress in recess this week, we provide a status update on top health issues, including gun violence, mental health, COVID-19 and public health, health care costs, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) user fees, as well as government funding. Overall, lawmakers have made some progress, with several marked-up bills awaiting floor votes. When Congress returns next week, lawmakers will have about eight weeks, including a weeklong recess, to deliver legislative victories before the August recess. As the midterm elections in November near, both parties are increasingly less likely to come together on any bipartisan legislation.