Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Supreme Court Ruling May Alter FTC's Ability To Be Nonpartisan Watchdog For Healthcare Industry
NPR: Supreme Court Cements Trump's Power Over Agencies Long Considered Independent
The ruling essentially turns FTC commissioners into at-will employees, who serve at the pleasure of the president. It also effectively ends Congress' requirement that the FTC be bipartisan, so that no one party has too much sway. ... The agency's commissioners are antitrust experts, uniquely positioned to keep watch over all kinds of companies — big tech companies, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers and media companies — ensuring their practices aren't harming regular people. (Hsu and Totenberg, 6/29)
CNN: Trump Must Pay E. Jean Carroll $5 Million After Supreme Court Denies His Appeal Of Sexual Abuse Verdict
The Supreme Court Monday declined to take up an appeal from President Donald Trump over a $5 million verdict and finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll, a decision that means the president will now have to pay the magazine columnist. (Fritze, 6/29)
More from the Trump administration —
Fierce Healthcare: HRSA Opens Applications For $140M In Rural Health Grant Funding
The Health Resources and Services Administration highlighted on Monday $140 million in newly opened grant funding opportunities focused on rural health priorities such as substance use treatment, workforce development and telehealth. Applications for the slew of grants opened over the last few weeks and are set to close throughout July. (Muoio, 6/29)
Fierce Healthcare: HHS Moves To Step Up Oversight Measures For TEFCA
The Trump administration unveiled new efforts to strengthen oversight of the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), including hiring a federal IT contractor to provide audit, review and compliance support. TEFCA is the government-backed health data-sharing initiative that allows patients, providers and payers to share health records. It was mandated by the 21st Century Cures Act back in 2016 and went live in December 2023. (Landi, 6/29)
Stat: Vijay Kumar Leaves FDA's Office Of Therapeutic Products
Vijay Kumar, acting director of the office that reviews cell and gene therapies at the Food and Drug Administration, is stepping down from his role, according to an email obtained by STAT. (Lawrence, 6/29)
The Washington Post: FDA Staff Recommendation Undercuts RFK Jr.’s Push To Expand Peptides
Food and Drug Administration career scientists said there isn’t enough evidence to allow certain peptides to be produced by compounding pharmacies, contradicting Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s push to expand access to the popular wellness products. The recommendation from FDA regulators was quietly posted online Monday as Kennedy’s health department added several new members, many of whom are physicians, to a panel that will review some peptides next month. At least seven of the members have ties to peptide-related businesses and clinics. Another member is the son of a congresswoman who has urged Kennedy to convene the panel. (Roubein and Weber, 6/30)
The Hill: RFK Jr. Rejects Cassidy's Criticism Of Broken Promises
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Monday dismissed criticism from GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy (La.) that he is breaking promises. Speaking to NewsNation’s Anna Kooiman in Atlantic City, N.J., Kennedy said he met with Cassidy roughly a month ago and told the Louisiana Republican his critiques are untrue. “I went through every promise that I made to them and I’ve kept them all,” the HHS secretary added, recalling his conversation with Cassidy. “I won’t speculate as to why Senator Cassidy is saying those things. I think anybody can make that speculation. But what he’s saying is not true.” (Rego, 6/29)
From Capitol Hill —
Roll Call: Kids Bill Faces Uncertainty After House Passage
Online safety legislation focused on children and teens that has come under fire from key senators passed the House Monday, setting the stage for continued wrangling as Congress seeks to address concerns raised by parent and free speech groups. (Mollenkamp, 6/29)
The Hill: Rep. Jahana Hayes Released From Hospital After Blood Clot
Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-Conn.) in a Sunday post said she had been hospitalized after a blood clot. Hayes said she was discharged on Sunday after two days at the hospital. “A health update from me. Listen to your body, and seek care if you’re not feeling well. Thank you to all the Dr’s, nurses, technicians and the entire team at St. Mary’s Hospital for the excellent care I received,” Hayes said on the social platform X. Hayes’s post also featured a video of her in which she said she was “reaching out with a quick update.” (Suter, 6/29)
