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The Hill
10-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
HIV program a potential hurdle in recissions process
The Big Story President Trump's request to claw back billions in federal funding that's already been apportioned by Congress could run into some hurdles as lawmakers waffle over a decades-old, bipartisan HIV program. © Greg Nash, The Hill In his recissions request last month, Trump asked that $900 million be rescinded from the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), considered one of former President George. W. Bush's landmark accomplishments. Since it was launched in 2003, the program says it has saved 26 million lives and allowed for nearly 8 million babies to be born HIV-free. The program's authorization lapsed in March this year, after having only received a one-year authorization when it had historically been reauthorized in five-year increments. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine.) told CBN News that she would not be voting for the recissions package due to the steep cuts to PEPFAR. 'It's hard to think of a more pro-life program than PEPFAR when you think about how many babies' lives have been saved as a result,' said Collins. GOP appropriators on Capitol Hill say the program remains an ongoing topic of discussion while they're still looking into the finer details of any potential changes to PEPFAR's funding. Proponents of PEPFAR have called for the funds to remain untouched but acknowledged some changes may be warranted. 'Rather than rescinding FY25 funds, these funds should be used to strengthen the data systems and independent community surveys that measure progress and trigger needed adjustments,' David J. Kramer, executive director of the George W. Bush Institute, said in a statement. 'Details on what exactly would be affected by the proposed rescissions remain unclear, but should they weaken the core mission of PEPFAR, or its ability to collect necessary data, they would place lives in danger and jeopardize the tremendous progress made over more than two decades,' he added. Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel, Joseph Choi and Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: FDA gives full approval to Moderna COVID shot for at-risk kids The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval on Thursday to Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for children, making it the first COVID shot for kids aged 6 months to 11 years old that is no longer administered under an emergency authorization. Infants younger than 6 months old are too young to be vaccinated. But the vaccine is only available for children with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high … RFK Jr. bans Head Start, health clinic access for people in US illegally The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Thursday it was rescinding a nearly 30-year interpretation of legislation that allowed immigrants without legal status to access certain federal public benefits. HHS said it was officially rescinding a 1998 interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which allowed immigrants without legal status to access services … Challenge to Michigan ban on taxpayer-funded abortions rejected A Michigan judge rejected a challenge to the state's longtime ban on taxpayer-funded abortions for low-income residents. The lawsuit argued that the ban had no standing after Michiganders voted in 2022 to pass a constitutional amendment ensuring the right to an abortion. Judge Brock A. Swartzle ruled the group that filed the lawsuit had no standing to file the challenge. The Michigan American Civil Liberties … In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Most say child care costs are 'major problem': Survey Most Americans said the costs of child care are a 'major problem,' and most are in favor of efforts to provide free or low-cost day care, according to a survey released Thursday. The new Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that most Americans surveyed, 76 percent, agreed that the cost of child care is a major issue, while 18 percent said it is a 'minor' problem. Some 5 percent said it is … Around the Nation Local and state headlines on health care: What We're Reading Health news we've flagged from other outlets: What Others are Reading Most read stories on The Hill right now: Judge orders Jan. 6 rally organizer to pay $2K daily until compliance with subpoena A federal judge on Wednesday ordered an organizer of President Trump's Jan. 6, 2021, rally at the Ellipse to pay $2,000 per day until she complies … Read more Dershowitz says he knows Epstein client list names: 'But I'm bound by confidentiality' Lawyer Alan Dershowitz on Thursday said he knows the list of names in the Jeffrey Epstein files regarding alleged clients in his international sex … Read more Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
The Hill
08-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
VA reverses on major workforce cuts
The Big Story The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has abandoned plans to cut more than 80,000 employees after a massive public outcry and an exodus of individuals from the agency. © Greg Nash In a Monday news release, the VA said it was on pace to reduce its total staff by nearly 30,000 employees by the end of this fiscal year due to 'the federal hiring freeze, deferred resignations, retirements and normal attrition.' That reduction eliminates 'the need for a large-scale reduction-in-force' of up to 15 percent of employees, or some 83,000 individuals, according to the release. The announcement marks a sharp turn for the Trump administration, which for months has sought to eliminate 83,000 roles — reducing the VA's workforce to its 2019 size of fewer than 400,000 staffers — as outlined in an internal memo sent to employees in March. VA Secretary Doug Collins said at the time that the cuts were following President Trump's executive order, signed in February, directing all federal agencies to prepare for a reduction in force, meaning large-scale layoffs. He also insisted that the move was tough but necessary and that the cuts would not affect health care or benefits to veterans and VA beneficiaries. The White House, meanwhile, stated that the VA had become 'bloated' and claimed that the reduced jobs would make the agency more efficient. But Democratic lawmakers were quick to push back on the plans, with Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee ranking member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) calling the development 'a gut punch' and 'breathtaking in its potential significance and its malevolence and cruelty' to former U.S. service members. Veterans and their advocate groups also warned that the administration's aggressive approach to shrink the VA will have long-term and devastating effects for veterans, who can already face long wait times for VA care. In its Monday statement, the VA said it had recorded roughly 484,000 employees in January, a number that was down to 467,000 by June — a loss of nearly 17,000 staffers. The agency projects that between July and Sept. 30, the end of the fiscal year, nearly 12,000 additional workers will exit through normal attrition, voluntary early retirement or the deferred resignation program. The VA claims it has 'multiple safeguards in place to ensure these staff reductions do not impact Veteran care or benefits.' But Blumenthal, in a statement released Monday, warned that even as the VA abandons 'its disastrous plan,' its announcement makes clear it 'is bleeding employees across the board at an unsustainable rate because of the toxic work environment created by this Administration and DOGE's slash and trash policies,' referring to the Department of Government Efficiency. Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: GOP lawmaker: Trump's 'patience' with Putin 'wearing thin' Rep. Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) said Sunday that President Trump's 'patience' with Russian President Vladimir Putin is 'wearing thin' after the president had a call with the Russian leader late last week. Crawford made the comment in response to a question during an appearance on Fox News. 'People keep falling out of buildings in Russia, Ukraine is still under attack. Will this war ever end? And will the president, our president, … Scott on accusations that Trump is 'too easy' on Putin: 'Hogwash' Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) rejected concerns that President Trump is going 'too easy' on Russian President Vladimir Putin, as the White House works to broker a ceasefire between the Kremlin and Ukraine. In an interview on 'Fox News Sunday,' anchor Shannon Bream asked the senator, who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee, about criticism from a French news outlet over the Pentagon's pause on some deliveries of air defense missiles … Israel sends delegation to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks with Hamas Israel has said it is sending a delegation to Qatar for ceasefire talks with Hamas about the war in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Saturday. 'In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed … On Our Radar Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Karen Bass confronts federal agents at Los Angeles park Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Monday she confronted federal agents at a city park amid tensions between her city and the federal government over immigration. 'When I got to MacArthur Park, by the way, and my purpose was one, to witness what was going on, but then when I got there, to do what … On Tap Tomorrow Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: When will key aspects of Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' take effect? President Trump signed his sweeping tax cut and spending package known as the 'big, beautiful bill' into law during a Fourth of July celebration … Read more Musk tweaks Trump with Jeffrey Epstein post Tech billionaire Elon Musk trolled President Trump early Monday with a post knocking the administration for making no arrests related to the Jeffrey … Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
The Hill
04-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
House sends megabill to Trump's desk with $150B in military spending
The Big Story The 'big, beautiful bill' is heading to President Trump's desk and it includes $150 billion for the Defense Department. © Greg Nash House Republicans passed the core of Trump's domestic policy agenda Thursday afternoon — including sweeping tax cuts, a crackdown on immigration, a boost for fossil fuels and huge cuts to Medicaid — overcoming months of bitter infighting on Capitol Hill to deliver what could be the defining legislation of Trump's second term. The 218-214 vote came together after more than a year of intense planning by GOP lawmakers, weeks of scrambling to reconcile the conflicting visions among House and Senate Republicans, and days of last-minute lobbying to cajole holdouts in both chambers to get on board. The bill gives $150 billion in new defense spending for priorities like shipbuilding, the 'Golden Dome' missile defense project and backfilling U.S. precision missiles and munitions. Another $150 billion will go towards a border wall, immigration enforcement and deportations. Of the total dollars for defense, $113 billion is mandatory funding for the military. When combined with the Pentagon's $848 billion budget request, released last week, that pushes military spending to the highest it's been in recent history, close to $1 trillion. The vote followed a marathon, historic speech by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who commandeered the chamber for 8 hours and 44 minutes to rail against the GOP's megabill and delay the final vote — surpassing the previous record of 8 hours and 32 minutes set by then-House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) in 2021 as a way to delay action on the Democrats' social spending and climate package. In the end, two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), joined all Democrats in voting against the legislation, which was approved by the Senate two days earlier. Read the full report at Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. There will be no newsletter tomorrow due to the July 4th holiday but we will be back Monday. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect defense and national security now and inthe future: 200 Marines deployed to Florida to help ICE in immigration crackdown The Trump administration is sending some 200 Marines to Florida to aid Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in its deportation raids in the state, the U.S. military announced Thursday. The Marines, which will come from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 based in New River, N.C., will support ICE in its 'interior immigration enforcement mission' via 'critical administrative and logistical capabilities at locations as … Senate Democrats launch investigation into Trump's pause of Russia sanctions Three Democratic senators said Thursday they were launching an investigation into the Trump administration's more than five-month pause on new sanctions against Russia related to its war in Ukraine. 'Instead of taking clearly available steps to pressure the aggressors, President Trump is doing nothing and we will be investigating this missed opportunity to push for an end to this war,' Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Elizabeth … Iran won't retaliate against US or pursue nuclear 'militarization,' says top diplomat Iran will not retaliate further against the United States's strikes on the Islamic Republic's nuclear program or pursue nuclear 'militarization,' according to one of the country's top diplomats. 'As long as there is no act of aggression being perpetrated by the United States against us, we will not respond again,' Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said in an interview with NBC News that was published Thursday. On Our Radar Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: Noem signs waivers for 17 miles of waterborne barriers in Rio Grande Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem signed a waiver allowing 17 miles of 'waterborne barrier' to be constructed quicker in Texas as part of a broader effort to erect President Trump's border wall. 'A capability gap has been identified in waterways along the Southwest border where drug smuggling, … On Tap Monday Events in and around the defense world: What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets: Trending Today Two key stories on The Hill right now: How your incombe taxes will change after Trump signs the 'big, beautiful bill' into law With the GOP's 'big, beautiful bill' headed to President Trump's desk for signature Friday, wealthy Americans are poised to receive significant tax … Read more What to know about the $6,000 'senior deduction' in GOP megabill The Senate's version of the 'big, beautiful bill,' which passed Tuesday, includes a $6,000 tax deduction for Americans 65 or older. … Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: You're all caught up. See you next week! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
The Hill
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Hill
House OKs megabill, includes green tax credit cuts
The Big Story The House approved the Senate's version of the Republican policy bill, sending major cuts to climate-friendly tax credits to Trump's desk. © Greg Nash The legislation passed the House 218-214, with Reps. Thomas Massie (Ky.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (Pa.), voting with Democrats against the measure. The overwhelming Republican support was a reflection of both the enormous appetite within the GOP for extending the 2017 tax cuts and a demonstration of Trump's immense grip on his party, where loyalty to the president is presumed and defectors risk a career-ending political backlash. A major piece of the bill is its cuts to tax credits for renewable energy and electric vehicles. The EV credit disappears after Sept. 30. Meanwhile, renewables either have to start construction in the next year or produce electricity by 2028 to have access to the credit. The latter cuts have been a major point of contention in deliberations thus far, with moderates saying it goes too far and conservatives saying it didn't go far enough. Ultimately, the vast majority of swing district Republicans and Freedom Caucusers alike voted for the legislation. Read more here, from The Hill's Mike Lillis, Mychael Schnell and Emily Brooks. Programming note: There will be no newsletter tomorrow for the 4th of July! We'll be back on Monday. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Programming note: This newsletter will not publish tomorrow for the July 4 holiday. See you Monday! Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: EPA places staffers who signed 'dissent' letter on leave The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is placing staffers who signed a letter of dissent against the Trump administration's actions and policies on leave. GOP megabill extends and expands compensation for nuclear weapons radiation victims The Republican megabill passed by Congress on Thursday contains an extension and expansion of a program to compensate Americans who developed cancer from radiation exposure linked to the U.S. nuclear weapons program. Inside Trump's push to pass the 'big, beautiful bill' With the signature policy bill of President Trump's second term hanging in the balance this week, the president and his allies got to work, using a mixture of vinegar and honey to win over skeptics and ensure its final passage. What We're Reading News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: 'Even if we stop drinking we will be exposed': Parts of France have banned tap water. Is it a warning for the rest of Europe? (The Guardian) On Our Radar Upcoming news themes and events we're watching: Wednesday Thursday What Others are Reading Two key stories on The Hill right now: House sends GOP's 'big, beautiful bill' to Trump's desk in major win for Republicans The 'big, beautiful bill' is heading to President Trump's desk. Read more How your taxes will change after Trump signs the 'big, beautiful bill' into law With the GOP's 'big, beautiful bill' headed to President Trump's desk for signature Friday, wealthy Americans are poised to receive significant tax breaks partly offset by steep cuts to social welfare programs. Read more You're all caught up. See you Monday! Thank you for signing up! Subscribe to more newsletters here
The Hill
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Massive Medicaid cuts to fuel midterm fights
The Big Story With the GOP successfully passing the largest Medicaid cuts in history through President Trump's 'big beautiful bill,' the federal health program is all but certain to be a core issue for voters in the upcoming midterm elections. © The Hill, Greg Nash The law is set to require Medicaid beneficiaries to prove for the first time they are working or in school at least 80 hours per month, equal to part-time, to keep their health insurance, and it also requires more frequent eligibility checks and Medicaid recipients living above the poverty line to pay out-of-pocket copays for most services, including doctor visits and lab tests. About 17 million people will become uninsured by 2034 because of the health provisions in the bill, as well as the expiration of ObamaCare subsidies, which the bill did not extend. But a good chunk of the electorate isn't fully aware of the provisions included in the nearly 1,000-page reconciliation package, and campaign strategists know it's a matter of who can reach voters first. 'The key here for Republicans going into the midterms is to clearly go on offense and define the debate around Medicaid in particular today, not tomorrow, not next month, not in the fall, not next year. They need to do it in a unified and aggressive way today,' Kristin Davison, partner at the GOP consulting firm Axiom, told The Hill. Several of the measures don't go into effect immediately, and the challenge for Democrats will be to keep the changes at top of mind for voters, even if they aren't experiencing them yet. 'There's an argument to be made here that if voters believe, and it is true that the unpopular bill is really bad for them, it doesn't matter if it's going to be bad for them tomorrow or next year,' a Democratic strategist told The Hill. 'If they believe it is bad for them, they will act on that opinion.' Welcome to The Hill's Health Care newsletter, we're Nathaniel Weixel, Joseph Choi and Alejandra O'Connell-Domenech — every week we follow the latest moves on how Washington impacts your health. Programming note: We will not publish tomorrow for the July 4 holiday. See you Monday! Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads How policy will be impacting the health care sector this week and beyond: GOP megabill extends and expands compensation for nuclear weapons radiation victims The Republican megabill passed by Congress on Thursday contains an extension and expansion of a program to compensate Americans who developed cancer from radiation exposure linked to the U.S. nuclear weapons program. The megabill revives a compensation program for victims who were exposed to this radiation that lapsed last year. It also expands it to new areas in states including Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Idaho and Missouri … Supreme Court rebuffs Montana attempt to revive parental consent abortion law The Supreme Court declined on Thursday to hear a case seeking to revive a Montana law that required parental consent for minors seeking abortions. The state argued the law should be allowed to take effect, because 'fundamental parental rights' outweigh a right to privacy that has long protected abortion in the deep red state. The parental consent law was first passed in 2013 but was subject to years of litigation and … FDA upgrades blueberry recall to highest risk level The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) upgraded a blueberry recall this week to the highest risk level amid concerns of contamination. The FDA raised the recall of 400 boxes that weigh 30 pounds to Class I. The blueberry recall, which took place June 9, was initiated after Alma Pak International LLC of Alma, Ga. received a positive result of listeria monocytogenes during routine testing, according to the FDA. FDA's Class … In Other News Branch out with a different read from The Hill: FDA vaccine official restricted COVID vaccine approvals against the advice of agency staff WASHINGTON (AP) — The government's top vaccine official working under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently restricted the approval of two COVID-19 vaccines, disregarding recommendations from government scientists, according to federal documents released Wednesday. The new memos from the Food and Drug Administration show how the agency's vaccine chief, Dr. Vinay Prasad, personally intervened to place restrictions … Around the Nation Local and state headlines on health care: What We're Reading Health news we've flagged from other outlets: What Others are Reading Most read stories on The Hill right now: House sends GOP's 'big, beautiful bill' to Trump's desk in major win for Republicans The 'big, beautiful bill' is heading to President Trump's desk. House Republicans passed the core of Trump's domestic policy agenda Thursday afternoon … Read more What to know about the $6,000 'senior deduction' in GOP megabill The Senate's version of the 'big, beautiful bill,' which passed Tuesday, includes a $6,000 tax deduction for Americans 65 or older. … Read more What People Think Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill:
