COMMITTEE CHECK-IN — With a new Congress to come in just over two months, members are jockeying for key positions on committees with significant power to impact health policy, Ben reports. Which party will lead the House and Senate is up in the air ahead of November’s elections. Democrats face long odds of holding the Senate, and control of the House will likely come down to a small number of races. Either way, leaders in Congress will likely have to face a number of pressing health care issues in the next term, including drug pricing and the Inflation Reduction Act, pharmacy benefit manager reform, abortion rights, the growth of Medicare Advantage and the future of telehealth access. With plenty still unclear, here are the committee dynamics we’re keeping an eye on: House Energy and Commerce: Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) is not seeking reelection, leaving a race between E&C Health Subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Technology Subcommittee Chair Bob Latta (R-Ohio) to replace her as the top Republican on the panel. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), who chairs the National Republican Congressional Committee, also is weighing a run. A spokesperson for Guthrie told Pulse that he’d prioritize IRA oversight, bolstering drug and device supply chains, boosting transparency to lower drug prices, improving the opioid crisis response and “ensur[ing] the unborn are protected.” A spokesperson for Latta told Pulse that he’d prioritize lowering drug prices, investing in technology to bolster health outcomes, pushing policies to “protect moms, babies and the unborn,” modernizing the approval process for over-the-counter drugs and reducing “bureaucratic hurdles” to accessing care, including telehealth across state lines. New Jersey’s Frank Pallone will likely become chair if Democrats gain a House majority, or remain ranking member if they don’t. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions: Chair Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) told POLITICO in late September that it was “too early to be talking about” whether he’d continue as chair in the next Congress if Democrats retain the majority. “Let’s see what happens,” said Sanders, who has taken an aggressive approach as HELP chair ruffling some feathers. He’s focused on drug pricing and has pushed pharmaceutical company executives to lower drug costs — leading some to take limited action. Sanders, 83, is running for another six-year term this cycle and is likely to win. If Democrats lose control of the Senate, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the panel’s ranking member, could take over as chair. Senate Veterans’ Affairs: Chair Jon Tester (D-Mont.) — in Congress since 2007 — faces a tough reelection bid in deep-red Montana. It’s unclear who would replace him as the panel’s top Democrat if he loses, but Sen. Patty Murray(D-Wash.) is the next-most senior. She chairs the Appropriations Committee. After her, Sanders is next in line based on seniority, followed by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who is in a tough reelection race and chairs the Banking Committee. Senators can’t chair two major committees. Kansas Republican Jerry Moran is the ranking member and could move up if Republicans take control. Replacing Eshoo: Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) is in line to be chair of the E&C Health Subcommittee if Democrats win a majority or ranking member if they don’t — replacing Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), who is not seeking reelection. WELCOME TO THURSDAY PULSE. Pinch hitting on World Polio Day: FDA reporter David Lim. Send your tips, scoops and feedback to bleonard@politico.com and ccirruzzo@politico.com and follow along @_BenLeonard_ and @ChelseaCirruzzo.
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