Another limitation for the 119th Congress, the Senate’s legislative filibuster rule—requiring 60 votes to pass most legislation—is highly likely to remain in place, although President-Elect Trump has expressed exasperation with the rule. The Republican majority may attempt to use the budget reconciliation process to advance legislation. This legislative procedure allows legislation to pass with a simple majority (51 votes) if it is deemed “germane” to certain tax, spending and debt limit legislation. For example, this was the procedure used to enact the Affordable Care Act in 2010.
Looking Ahead
There is a lot we do not know about the incoming administration. Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance has cosponsored two telemedicine bills during his Senate tenure and could help to push forward a permanent telemedicine solution. We have reason to believe the administration may join us in prioritizing such things as reforming the role of pharmacy benefit managers in drug pricing, but it is also likely to revive a concerning proposal introduced during the current Congress to reorganize the National Institutes of Health.
A lot remains uncertain, but there is one thing you can depend on. No matter what, the ACR will continue to advocate for the needs of ACR/ARP members and their patients with returning champions and we will educate newly elected members on the policy priorities that matter most to you.
For final election results and more information, join us at ACR Convergence 2024 for the session Campaigning for Rheumatology: An Election Year Legislative and Policy Update, to be held Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. EST in room 152A.
