GOP-controlled Senate to prioritize drug pricing, health agency reform

Editor's Note

Republicans secured a 51-seat majority in the US Senate after victories in Ohio and West Virginia, promising a power shift that will see GOP leaders shaping decisions on pressing issues like drug pricing, public health agency reform, and rural healthcare. On November 6, STAT published an overview of how six lawmakers could exert their influence on healthcare when Republicans take power in early January:

• Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La) is anticipated to lead the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Known for his interest in public health agency reforms, Cassidy aims to re-examine and potentially overhaul the CDC and NIH, which fall under his committee’s oversight. In addition, he will oversee the confirmation process for key administration appointments, including the CDC, FDA, and NIH directors. 
• Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) will lead the Senate Finance Committee. Crapo’s background as a tax attorney primes him for negotiations on the expiration of both the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) premium subsidies and the Trump-era tax cuts. He has collaborated on bipartisan health measures such as pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform.
• Sen. John Thune (R-SD). On the Senate Finance Committee, Thune has advocated for simplifying prior authorization and participated in drafting reforms to the 340B drug discount program. Given his focus on rural health, he is expected to champion policies that benefit rural hospitals and communities.
• Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has leveraged his positions on the Finance and Judiciary Committees to address drug patent reforms. His initiatives include legislation to reduce patent thickets that delay generics, and he has backed measures to combat the opioid crisis.
• Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan) has built a bipartisan record, including partnering with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) on primary care funding. Marshall, an obstetrician, also supports prior authorization reforms alongside Thune.
• Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) has advanced bipartisan measures to regulate PBM fees and scrutinize Medicare Advantage plans.