This Week in Washington: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Extended for 90 More Days

Congress

The House and Senate are in a district work period this week.

Senate

Bipartisan Group Calls on Naloxone Manufacturers to Apply for Over-the-Counter Status

On April 12, Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Angus King (I-ME) along with Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick wrote to seven manufacturers of naloxone, encouraging them to apply for over-the-counter status. Naloxone is an opioid reversal medication that is currently unavailable over the counter. The members stressed that making naloxone more easily accessible would save lives.

Sen. Murray Writes to FDA Calling for Action on Food Safety

On April 11, Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) wrote to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf asking for additional information regarding delays at the FDA’s food safety and nutrition center. Sen. Murray cited her concern regarding FDA’s delayed action on contaminated infant formula, as well as delayed inspections and recalls.

Read more on healthcare policy in McGuireWoods Consulting’s Washington Healthcare Update.