STAT+: Will House delay Trump plan to politicize NIH grants?

The latest story from STAT+ examines the potential delay of President Trump's plan to politicize NIH grants by the House of Representatives. The House will vote on the Senate's stopgap funding bill, which temporarily blocks the White House's proposal. This fast-track process requires two-thirds support for passage, indicating House GOP leadership's confidence in the Senate bill's success.

If the House vote fails, lawmakers would have to wait until the Senate returns on September 14 to reconcile differences between the two chambers' bills. Meanwhile, congressional Medicare advisers are holding their annual public meeting cycle, beginning with a focus on the Part D benefit redesign. This redesign has led to increased spending, while also providing insurers with more incentive to manage costs.

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission will also study clinician quality measurements and continue their work on Medicare Advantage. Additionally, President Trump announced nine more deals to set drug prices in Medicaid in line with prices available in peer countries, though it seems a deal might have been overlooked.