The tax reform effort continues, regardless of the election results in Alabama. The committee is holding a public hearing today of the Tax Conference Committee. However, much of the negotiations have already occurred informally and behind closed doors. It remains unclear whether those provisions which directly impact health care have been resolved. Sen. Thune and Rep. Noem are participating as members of the negotiation teams. Republican leaders remain committed to a goal of putting the bill on the President’s desk by Dec. 22. Click here to view a comparison of the House and Senate-passed version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
In addition, the Subcommittee on Health (House Committee on Energy and Commerce) is also holding a hearing today. Nine expert witnesses will provide testimony on examining the drug supply chain with a focus on rising prescription drug prices. Tom Nickels, Executive Vice President for Government Relations and Public Policy from the American Hospital Association, is part of the panel. His testimony can be accessed here.
