Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
GOP Leaders Struggle To Unify Party Behind Spending Bill That Includes Medicare Cuts
The Wall Street Journal: GOP Faces Spending Fight From the Right
A proposal under consideration by the House Budget Committee would shave that amount through cuts to federal safety-net programs like Medicare and changes to welfare benefits, lawmakers said. But conservatives wary of promises of future savings have said they wouldn’t go along unless those changes are made on spending bills this year. It isn’t clear that would be feasible. (Peterson, 2/24)
The Associated Press: Senators Strike Tentative Deal For Flint Water Crisis Funds
Senators from both parties reached a tentative deal on Wednesday to address the water crisis in Flint, Mich.—and allow a long-stalled energy bill to move forward. A proposal by Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D., Mich.) and James Inhofe (R., Okla.) would authorize $100 million in emergency aid to fix and replace the city’s lead-contaminated pipes, as well as $70 million in loans to improve the city’s water infrastructure. The deal also authorizes $50 million nationwide to bolster lead-prevention programs and improve children’s health. (2/24)
