Congressional leaders released a 1,547-page continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown before Christmas. The bill is intended to keep the government funded at current levels through March 14, 2025, with a variety of add-ons addressing issues such as disaster relief, US investments in China, and the return of the NFL’s Washington Commanders to RFK Stadium. The timeline for voting on the bill is unclear, with Speaker Mike Johnson waffling on adhering to the 72-hour rule for lawmakers to review the text before voting.
The looming vote on the continuing resolution has sparked criticism from Republican lawmakers on various fronts. Some have expressed concerns about the inclusion of Democratic priorities in the bill, with complaints about the process and the lack of offsets for the spending. Lawmakers like Representatives Malliotakis and Greene have voiced their opposition to the bill, calling it a “three-month omnibus” that favors Democrats and criticizing the use of disaster aid and farm funding as leverage for other projects.
If the continuing resolution is passed, it will set the stage for a contentious spending fight near the end of President Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office. Congress has not yet passed a full budget for fiscal year 2025, pushing the need for stopgap measures like the current bill. The bill includes disaster aid funding and other provisions that will allow Congress to focus on other budgetary issues next year. Republican hardliners have expressed frustration over the lack of offsets and demanded changes to the bill, highlighting concerns about government spending.
One controversial aspect of the bill is its impact on the pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs) in the healthcare industry. The bill includes provisions aimed at increasing transparency and regulating the practices of PBMs, which have faced scrutiny over their pricing strategies and potential impact on drug costs for consumers. The bill seeks to prevent PBMs from tying their compensation to the list price of drugs and requires them to pass on drug rebates and discounts to employers or health plans.
Criticism of the bill extends to the impact on the pharmaceutical industry, with PBMs warning that the measures could weaken their negotiating power and lead to increased drug prices. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association has criticized the bill as favoring pharmaceutical companies over patients, employers, and seniors. The government’s intervention in commercial market contracting has raised concerns about the implications of the bill on the healthcare industry and the broader economy.
Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in managing the vote on the continuing resolution amidst concerns from his fellow Republicans. The upcoming vote will test Johnson’s control of the lower chamber and his ability to navigate the party’s divisions over government spending and healthcare policies. The vote on the bill will have significant implications for future budget negotiations and the role of government in regulating key industries like healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
