Axios Pro: Policy

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🌀 A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking congressional leaders to allocate emergency funding to the FDA to address the IV fluid shortages stemming from Hurricane Helene, Victoria reports, in a letter first shared with Axios. Why it matters: It represents one of the first congressional requests for federal funding specifically to assist with #healthcare-associated costs from the storm, which swamped a key manufacturing plant in North Carolina that supplies IV solutions to most U.S. hospitals. The request is led by Massachusetts Rep. Lori Trahan and co-signed by 45 other Democratic members of Congress. Read the full story with analysis from Health Care Policy Reporter Victoria Knight on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/gVgy8r4h

🌎 The Federal Communications Commission is rolling out a revamped map showing where internet access can improve maternal health care, the agency told Axios. Why it matters: The U.S. has the highest level of maternal mortality of any developed country, and having reliable #internet access can help people communicate with their providers, schedule appointments and obtain mental health support. Those tools can be especially beneficial for people in rural communities who are far from hospitals. Read the full story with analysis from #Tech Policy Reporter Maria Curi on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/efYPSCKN

👥 The House committees overseeing health policy are due for some leadership shakeups next year, regardless of which party controls the chamber. That will have a bearing on drug price negotiations, insulin caps and what happens to #ACA subsidies. Here are the top committee leadership posts to watch for #healthcare policy. Read the full story with analysis from Health Care Policy Reporter Victoria Knight on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/e4vwmu6E

PhRMA will be "laser-focused" on getting #PBM changes passed in the lame duck session, the group's CEO, Stephen Ubl, told reporters this week. Why it matters: There is bipartisan support in Congress for overhauling PBMs, but lawmakers so far have struggled to reconcile competing proposals and get something passed. A push from outside groups can at least boost the effort. What they're saying: "This is one of the rare areas of bipartisan agreement in #health policy, and we're going to be laser-focused on getting it over the finish line with a lot of other stakeholders," Ubl said at a press briefing. Read the full story with analysis from Health Care Policy Reporter Peter Sullivan on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/ehGr7C_G

🔍 Google is mulling over its response to proposed remedies from Justice Department lawyers after a federal judge found the company liable for violating #antitrust law to maintain a monopoly in search. The big picture: Google says the government's proposals would not only hurt customers and partners that rely on its services, but be hugely detrimental to tech innovation in general. Driving the news: Some of what the DOJ lawyers are considering include "behavioral and structural remedies" to prevent Google from using its products to advantage Google search and related products and features over rivals or new entrants in the field. Read the full story with analysis from Senior #Tech Policy Reporter Ashley Gold on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/ekwY838N

🏠 Key Hill Democrats are rallying around Vice President Kamala Harris' plan to establish a Medicare benefit for long-term home care, saying it addresses a pent up need of family caregivers. Why it matters: Any #Medicare revision would have to pass through the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees — and would be a non-starter without the backing of top Democrats on the panels. What they're saying: "Vice President Harris hears the pain that too many Americans experience in accessing and affording long term care — whether for themselves or for loved ones — and we must act," Ways and Means Ranking Member Richard Neal said in a statement to Axios. Read the full story with analysis from Health Care Policy Reporter Victoria Knight on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/e-k-RCid

The top Senate committees on energy and #climate issues are opening up to new leaders in the next session of Congress. Why it matters: The panels in charge of EPA, DOE, Interior and the farm bill will look very different next year, and the shuffling will help set the legislative agenda. Read the full story with analysis from #Energy Policy Reporters Nick Sobczyk & Daniel Moore on AxiosPro.com: https://lnkd.in/eChZhRTD

The clock is ticking. Don’t miss the opportunity to join Axios Pro: Policy experts Maria Curi, Peter Sullivan, Nick Sobczyk, and Mackenzie Weinger on how to Decode the Lame Duck. 📅  TODAY at 1 p.m. ET webinar attendees will get actionable insights into the dynamics of the lame duck period, expert analysis on policy shifts that could impact your organization, and proven strategies to sustain advocacy efforts during the transition. 🔗 Register: https://bit.ly/47XA4g4

📣 TOMORROW: Join Axios Pro and Quorum for a virtual conversation and live Q&A on policy moves to watch during the upcoming lame duck period. Details: The event will begin at 1pm EST on Wednesday, October 9th. Axios Pro Editor Mackenzie Weinger will lead the conversation with Pro Reporters Maria Curi, Nick Sobczyk and Peter Sullivan. Who you are: If you work in #government affairs, lobbying, PR & Comms or on the Hill, we’ll be covering your most pressing concerns and answering your biggest questions. RSVP and ask your questions today: https://lnkd.in/eMNvTZfH