Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Lawmakers Strike Deal On Bill That Would Make It Easier For VA To Fire Employees
The Associated Press: Lawmakers Reach Agreement On Stalled VA Accountability Bill
Congressional Republicans and Democrats have reached agreement on a bill to make it easier for the Department of Veterans Affairs to fire its employees, part of an accountability effort touted by President Donald Trump. The deal being announced early Thursday could smooth the way for final passage on an issue that had been largely stalled since the 2014 wait-time scandal at the Phoenix VA medical center. As many as 40 veterans died while waiting months for appointments as VA employees created secret waiting lists and other falsehoods to cover up delays. (Yen, 5/11)
CQ Roll Call: Cancellation Of Hearing On Veterans' Health Care Draws Criticism
A Democratic blockade imposed on committees meeting Wednesday stalled a hearing featuring the secretary of Veterans Affairs, drawing criticism from a top appropriator who oversees veterans' programs. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., took to the floor to blast Democrats shortly after Sen. Richard J. Durbin made the procedural move. Durbin, D-Ill., cited President Donald Trump’s abrupt firing of FBI Director James B. Comey as the reason for blocking the meetings. (Mejdrich, 5/10)
