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The US Senate passed a bill on March 27 to fund the Department of Homeland Security, except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, but the bill may not pass the House. A group of Republican senators launched an investigation into drug manufacturer compliance with Food and Drug Administration marketing rules related to abortion drugs. The Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced the 18 individuals who will serve on the new Healthcare Advisory Committee, which is tasked with providing advice on improving, strengthening, and modernizing US healthcare.
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Health Policy Update for the Week of March 30
30 March 2026
Key Events This Week (March 30 – April 3)
While the House and Senate are set to be in recess this week, a sudden turn of events on the DHS funding bill could see members being recalled. The usual published updates on This Week in Health Policy will not be available during the recess.
DHS Funding Crisis
On the morning of March 27, the Senate unanimously agreed to pass a bill funding all components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), except for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The bill’s approval would resolve a deadlock that has hampered funding for the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worker salaries. However, the House under Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) might not support the Senate’s bill and is slated to vote on a separate 60-day DHS funding bill. The Senate adjourned for a two-week recess early on Friday, keeping the funding bill’s fate uncertain.
Investigation into Abortion Drug Manufacturers
Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Bill Cassidy (R-LA) alongside Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), James Lankford (R-OK), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) initiated a new investigation on March 25. The probe is examining whether drug manufacturers comply with FDA marketing rules pertaining to abortion drugs.
Administrative Updates
The White House has yet to announce a new CDC director this week. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, the current National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director, has been serving as the acting CDC Director since Susan Monarez was dismissed on August 27. Dr. Bhattacharya’s interim period, which was limited to 210 days under the Vacancies Act, expired on Thursday, March 26. Still, he will remain in the position until a new appointment is confirmed.
New Healthcare Advisory Committee Members Announced
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) named 18 individuals to the new Healthcare Advisory Committee on March 26. This panel comprises industry executives, policy lawyers, scholars, and doctors who will provide expert advice on upgrading and fortifying the U.S. healthcare system.
New CMS Model for Children’s Health
CMS unveiled a novel voluntary model on March 24. Known as the Accelerating State Pediatric Innovation Readiness and Effectiveness Model (ASPIRE), it aims to provide comprehensive care for children up to 21 years with complex medical and behavioral issues under Medicaid and CHIP. Later this year, CMS will release a Notice of Funding Opportunity for state Medicaid programs to apply.
OPPS Drug Acquisition Cost Survey Deadline Extended
CMS has extended the deadline to April 7 for the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) Drug Acquisition Cost Survey (ODACS). Hospitals paid under OPPS and listed on this ODACS provider table are required to submit their drug acquisition cost data to CMS by the new deadline.
DOJ Defends IRA’s Drug Price Negotiation Program
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has continued to legally defend the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Drug Price Negotiation Program this week. The DOJ has filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case brought by Bristol Myers Squib and Janssen Pharmaceuticals challenging the program.
Imminent Action on Section 232 Investigation
President Trump is expected to make a proclamation concerning the Section 232 investigation into pharmaceuticals and pharmaceutical ingredients. By law, the President must decide on any action by March 27, although this deadline could be extended as the administration finalizes details.
Hearings, Markups, and Other Committee Activities
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a legislative hearing titled “Policies to Protect Our Communities from Illicit Drug Threats” on March 26. The hearing discussed more than a dozen bills aimed at tackling the threat of illicit drugs. Republican members highlighted the need for robust scheduling for emerging synthetic drugs, expansive law enforcement strategies and closing regulatory loopholes. On the other hand, Democratic members advocated for public health-led responses, criticized funding cuts to Medicaid, instability at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and warned against over criminalizing illicit drug use. More information can be found here.
Document ID: 2026-0750
For further details about this update, please reach out to Washington Council Ernst & Young.
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