Capitol Hill Watch for Week of June 13
Both Houses of Congress return to session this week following a one week recess for the House of Representatives. The House will vote Monday on the first appropriations bill for FY 2012, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012. Following the votes tonight, the House will begin consideration of the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012. NRHA policy relating to the "Farm Bill" and related appropriations states "The NRHA supports the continued strengthening of provisions of Title VII of the Farm Security Act, the “Rural Development” title. Special attention should be given to the health care delivery sector in regionally appropriate planning." NRHA will continually support this vital funding for all rural America and monitor the developments in the House closely. The Senate is also in session this week and is scheduled to continue consideration of S.782 the Economic Development Act. Included in this bill is one amendment that would freeze implementation of the Affordable Care Act. This amendment is not likely to pass. All other amendments, as well as the text of the bill, are not directly health care related. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will have a hearing on Wednesday to consider the Public Health effects of the Clean Air Act. Information about this hearing is available here. The House Ways and Means Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Wednesday to consider the regulatory effects of the Affordable Care Act. Information about this hearing is available here.