Budget reconciliation is an optional process under the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 that allows for expedited consideration of certain fiscal legislation that makes changes to mandatory spending, revenues and/or the debt limit.
Legislation and Legislative Advocacy
The American Hospital Association (AHA) shares resources on health care legislation being considered by the U.S. House and Senate and legislative advocacy opportunities for hospitals and health systems.
This year, House and Senate Republicans are expected to use the budget reconciliation process to pass key agenda items on taxes, energy and border security, and they may look to health measures to pay for this legislation.
The Senate Jan. 30 is expected to pass a government funding plan ahead of a midnight deadline.
Specific government agency funding, including programs within the Department of Health and Human Services, is set to expire at midnight Jan. 30.
The AHA Jan. 28 released its 2026 Advocacy Agenda, containing the association’s key priorities for Congress, the administration, regulatory agencies and courts.
The House of Representatives Jan. 22 voted 341-88 to pass the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 (H.R.7148), which contains conferenced legislation for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development.
- Legislation and Legislative Advocacy
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Medicare Sequestration Payment Reductions
- Cybersecurity
- Rural issues
- Workforce
- Child and Adolescent Health
- Maternal Health
- Medical Education and Research
- Access to Behavioral Health
- Substance Use Disorder
- Disaster Preparedness
- 340B Drug Pricing Program
The House and Senate Appropriations Committees released the legislative text for the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which contains conferenced legislation for the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, and Housing and Urban…
Congress returned to Washington this week with a full plate of issues to contend with in the short term as it defines its legislative agenda for the remainder of 2026.
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing (https://energycommerce.house.gov/posts/chairmen-guthrie-and-griffith-announce-legislative-hearing-on-improving-medicare-payment-policies-for-seniors) Jan. 8 to discuss legislation on Medicare payment policies for seniors,…
One of the most rewarding parts of being an AHA member and serving on the board is building relationships with other leaders who share a passion for making health better.