[Senate Report 118-7]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
118th Congress, 1st Session - - - - - - - - - - Senate Report 118-7
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON
HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
UNITED STATES SENATE
DURING THE
117TH CONGRESS
2021-2022
PURSUANT TO
SECTION 136 OF THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1946, AS AMENDED
BY THE LEGISLATIVE REORGANIZATION ACT OF 1970
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
March 29, 2023.--Ordered to be printed
_________
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
39-010 WASHINGTON : 2023
[117th Congress]
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
PATTY MURRAY, Washington, Chair
BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont RICHARD BURR, North Carolina,
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania Ranking Member
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
TIM KAINE, Virginia BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Louisiana
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
TINA SMITH, Minnesota MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico TIM SCOTT, South Carolina
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado MITT ROMNEY, Utah
TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
JERRY MORAN, Kansas
Evan T. Schatz, Democrat Staff Director
David P. Cleary, Republican Staff Director
______
[118th Congress]
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
BERNIE SANDERS (I), Vermont Chairman
PATTY MURRAY, Washington BILL CASSIDY, M.D., Lousiana,
ROBERT P. CASEY, JR., Pennsylvania Ranking Member
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin RAND PAUL, M.D., Kentucky
CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY, Connecticut SUSAN M. COLLINS, Maine
TIM KAINE, Virginia LISA MURKOWSKI, Alaska
MAGGIE HASSAN, New Hampshire MIKE BRAUN, Indiana
TINA SMITH, Minnesota ROGER MARSHALL, M.D., Kansas
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico MITT ROMNEY, Utah
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado TOMMY TUBERVILLE, Alabama
ED MARKEY, Massachusetts MARKWAYNE MULLIN, Oklahoma
TEDD BUDD, North Carolina
Warren Gunnels, Democrat Staff Director
Amanda Lincoln, Republican Staff Director
(ii)
FOREWORD
This report on the legislative activities of the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions during the 117th
Congress is submitted pursuant to section 136 of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 190d), as
amended by Public Laws 91-050, 92-136, and 93-334. The
Legislative Reorganization Act requires standing committees of
the U.S. Senate to ``review and study, on a continuing basis,
the application, administration, and execution'' of laws within
their jurisdiction and to submit biennial reports to the
Congress. The full text of section 136 is as follows:
Sec. 136.(a) In order to assist the Congress--
(1) its analysis, appraisal, and evaluation of the
application, administration, and execution of the laws
enacted by Congress, and
(2) its formulation, consideration and enactment of
such modifications of or changes in those laws, and of
such additional legislation, as may be necessary or
appropriate, each standing committee of the Senate and
the House of Representatives shall review and study, on
a continuing basis, the application, administration,
and execution of those laws, or parts of laws, the
subject matter of which is within the jurisdiction of
that committee. Such committees may carry out the
required analysis, appraisal, and evaluation
themselves, or by contract, or may require a government
agency to do so and furnish a report thereon to the
Congress. Such committees may rely on such techniques
as pilot testing, analysis of costs in comparison with
benefits, or provision for evaluation after a defined
period of time.
(b) In each odd-numbered year beginning on or after January
1, 1973, each standing committee of the Senate shall submit,
not later than March 31, to the Senate . . . a report on the
activities of that committee under this section during the
Congress ending at noon on January 3 of such year.
(c) The preceding provisions of this section do not apply
to the Committees on Appropriations, the Budget, House
Administration, Rules, and Standards of Official Conduct of the
House.
Patty Murray, Chair.
(iii)
C O N T E N T S
______
Page
Foreword......................................................... III
Committee jurisdiction........................................... 1
Committee organization........................................... 2
Review of Legislative activity................................... 3
Full Committee activities........................................ 3
I. Bills Enacted:
A. Health..........................................................3
B. Education.......................................................5
C. Labor...........................................................5
D. Pensions........................................................5
II. Vetoed Legislation...............................................6
III. Reported Bills Not Enacted:
A. Health..........................................................6
IV. Other Bills Considered by Senate:
A. Health..........................................................6
B. Education.......................................................8
C. Armed Forces and National Security.............................10
D. Economics and Public Finance...................................10
E. Families.......................................................10
F. Immigration....................................................10
V. List of Public Laws.............................................10
VI. List of Full Committee and Subcommittee hearings................12
VII. Anticipated activities..........................................14
Committee printing............................................... 14
APPENDIX
I. Reports of the Committee and Subcommittees on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions:
A. Full Committee..............................................15
B. Children and Families.......................................15
C. Employment and Workplace Safety.............................15
D. Primary Health and Retirement Security......................15
II. Public Laws enacted during the 117th Congress...................15
III. Hearings by Full Committee and Subcommittees:
Full Committee.................................................17
Nominations....................................................24
Department of Health and Human Services........................24
Public Health Service..........................................25
Department of Labor............................................25
National Labor Relations Board.................................26
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission........................26
Subcommittee on Children and Families..........................27
Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety................27
Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security.........27
IV. Statistical Summary.............................................29
V. Rules of Procedure..............................................30
(v)
118th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 118-7
======================================================================
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
_______
March 29, 2023.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Sanders, from the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions, submitted the following
R E P O R T
[Pursuant to section 136 of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946,
as amended by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970, as amended]
COMMITTEE JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions Committee in the 117th Congress was set forth in
paragraph 1.(1) of Rule XXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate
as follows:
(m)(1) Committee on Labor and Human Resources, to which
committee shall be referred all proposed legislation,
messages, petitions, memorials, and other matters
relating to the following subjects:
1. Measures relating to education, labor, health, and
public welfare.
2. Aging.
3. Agricultural colleges.
4. Arts and humanities.
5. Biomedical research and development.
6. Child labor.
7. Convict labor and the entry of goods made by
convicts into interstate commerce.
8. Domestic activities of the American National Red
Cross.
9. Equal employment opportunity.
10. Gallaudet College, Howard University, and Saint
Elizabeths Hospital.
11. Handicapped individuals.
12. Labor standards and labor statistics.
(1)
13. Mediation and arbitration of labor disputes.
14. Occupational safety and health, including the
welfare of miners.
15. Private pension plans.
16. Public health.
17. Railway labor and retirement.
18. Regulation of foreign laborers.
19. Student loans.
20. Wages and hours of labor.
(2) Such committee shall also study and review, on a
comprehensive basis, matters relating to health,
education and training, and public welfare, and report
thereon from time to time.
COMMITTEE ORGANIZATION*
During the 117th Congress, the Committee was organized into
the following subcommittees:
Children and Families
Mr. Casey, Chairman
Mr. Sanders Dr. Cassidy
Mr. Murphy Mr. Romney
Mr. Kaine Ms. Collins
Ms. Hassan Ms. Murkowski
Ms. Smith Mr. Moran
Mr. Hickenlooper Mr. Marshall
Mr. Tuberville
Employment and Workplace Safety
Mr. Hickenlooper, Chairman
Ms. Baldwin Mr. Braun
Ms. Smith Mr. Tuberville
Ms. Rosen Mr. Paul
Mr. Lujan Mr. Scott
Mr. Romney
Primary Health and Retirement Security
Mr. Sanders, Chairman
Mr. Casey Ms. Collins
Ms. Baldwin Mr. Paul
Mr. Murphy Ms. Murkowski
Mr. Kaine Dr. Marshall
Mr. Hassan Mr. Scott
Ms. Rosen Mr. Moran
Mr. Lujan Dr. Cassidy
Mr. Braun
(*Note.--The Chairman and the Ranking Minority Member are
ex officio of the subcommittee they do not serve on.)
REVIEW OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
The Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions has
jurisdiction over approximately 1,000 Federal programs relating
to health, education, disability policy, children and families,
older Americans, pensions, labor, and public welfare. These
programs are administered by the Departments of Education,
Health and Human Services, Labor, and over a hundred
independent agencies, councils, and bureaus.
During the 117th Congress, which convened on January 3,
2021 and adjourned on January 3, 2023, 993 bills and
resolutions were referred to the Committee for its
consideration, reflecting the substantial interest in issues
within the Committee's jurisdiction. The Committee and its
subcommittees held 56 hearings, and produced 20 public laws,
most of which came within the area of health care.
FULL COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
In addition to the legislation referred to the Committee,
57 nominations were received by the Committee during the 117th
Congress, 50 were reported and 35 were confirmed by the Senate.
The Committee held 28 hearings for nominations.
The committee reported 57 bills and 1 resolution to the
Senate, and 20 measures within its jurisdiction were enacted
into law.
The committee and its subcommittees held 56 days of public
hearings and held 22 executive sessions for the purpose of
considering legislation and nominations. There were no
conferences held with the House of Representatives.
I. BILLS APPROVED FROM THE HELP COMMITTEE ENACTED INTO LAW
A. Health
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act of 2022
[Public Law 117-213, enacted March 18, 2022]
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect
to the scope of new chemical exclusivity. of 2021
[Public Law 117-9, enacted April 23, 2021]
TRANSPLANT Act of 2021 of 2021
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
Timely Reauthorization of Necessary Stem-cell Programs
Lends Access to Needed Therapies Act of 2021
[Public Law 117-15, enacted May 23, 2021]
Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act of
2021
[Public Law 117-71, enacted December 10, 2021]
Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act of
2022
[Public Law 117-101, enacted March 15, 2022]
Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act of 2021
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-16, enacted October 14, 2021]
Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment
for (MOBILE) Health Care Act of 2022
[Public Law 117-204, enacted October 17, 2022]
Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act
[Public Law 117-244, enacted December 20, 2022]
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
A bill to reauthorize a program for early detection,
diagnosis, and treatment regarding deaf and hard-of-hearing
newborns, infants, and young children, and for other purposes.
[Public Law 117-241, enacted December 20, 2022]
State Offices of Rural Health Program Reauthorization Act of 2022
A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to
reauthorize the State offices of rural health program.
[Public Law 117-356, enacted January 5, 2023]
Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act of 2022
This act reauthorizes through FY2028 and modifies pediatric
cancer research and related programs, including to expand
collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to
support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary
care.
[Public Law 117-350, enacted, January 5, 2023]
B. Education
Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021] of 2021
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-8, enacted April 23, 2021]
Consider Teachers Act of 2021
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-49, enacted October 13, 2021]
STANDUP Act of 2021 of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-100, enacted March 15, 2022]
C. Labor
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under
chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to ``Update of
Commission's Conciliation Procedures''. of 2021
[Public Law 117-22, enacted June 30, 2021]
Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
To amend the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 to
direct the Secretary of Transportation to seek to provide for
the posting of contact information of the national human
trafficking hotline in the restrooms of each aircraft, airport,
over-the-road bus, bus station, passenger train, and passenger
railroad station operating within the United States, and for
other purposes.
[Public Law 117-301, enacted December 27, 2022]
Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-210, enacted October 17, 2022]
D. Pensions
Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
Protecting Our Gold Star Families Education Act
A bill to improve the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
and the Children of Fallen Heroes Grant.
[Public Law 117-168, enacted August 10, 2022]
Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-200, enacted October 11, 2022]
Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act of 2022
(Short Title as Passed Senate)
[Public Law 117-83, enacted January 21, 2022]
II. VETOED LEGISLATION
In the 117th Congress, no legislation was vetoed by the
President.
III. BILLS REPORTED FROM THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND
PENSIONS, NOT ENACTED INTO LAW IN THE 117TH CONGRESS
Fairness in Orphan Drug Exclusivity Act
This bill limits which orphan drugs may be granted a market
exclusivity period by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
(Generally, an orphan drug is one that is not economically
viable because of the rarity of the disease that it treats. The
sponsor of an FDA-designated orphan drug may be granted various
incentives, such as a seven-year period in which the FDA may
not grant market approval to a different sponsor for the same
drug to treat the same disease.)
Under this bill, if a drug is designated as an orphan drug
on the basis that there is no reasonable expectation that the
sponsor will recover the costs of developing and distributing
the drug from U.S. sales, the drug shall be granted the seven-
year exclusivity period only if the sponsor demonstrates that
there is no reasonable expectation that it will recover such
costs specifically within its first 12 years of U.S. sales of
the drug. This requirement shall also apply retroactively to an
orphan drug that was granted such an exclusivity period before
this bill's enactment.
When deciding whether an orphan drug meets this
requirement, the FDA shall consider the sales of all drugs from
the sponsor that are covered by the same orphan drug
designation.
IV. OTHER BILLS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH,
EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS, CONSIDERED BY THE SENATE IN THE 117TH
CONGRESS
A. Health
Expanding Access to Low-Cost Generics Act of 2021
This bill modifies provisions related to market exclusivity
for a generic drug.
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awards
180 days of exclusivity on the market to a first applicant to
file a qualifying application for market approval of a generic
drug. Generally, this exclusivity period begins upon a first
applicant's commercial marketing of the drug.
Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
This bill increases the amount of funds each fiscal year
that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must transfer to
the Reagan-Udall Foundation for the FDA and that the National
Institutes of Health (NIH) must transfer to the Foundation for
the NIH.
Specifically, it requires each agency to increase the
amount transferred to its respective foundation (1) from a
minimum of $500,000 to a minimum of $1,250,000, and (2) from a
maximum of $1,250,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000.
STANDUP Act of 2021
This bill requires the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), when awarding certain grants for priority
mental-health needs, to give preference to state, tribal, and
local educational agencies that plan to implement evidence-
based suicide awareness and prevention training policies. HHS
may also consider suicide rates in the applicable jurisdiction
and other factors when awarding the grants.
In addition, HHS must coordinate with the Department of
Education and the Department of the Interior to provide
educational agencies with best practices for these training
policies.
Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment
for (MOBILE) Health Care Act
This bill allows a health center that currently receives
funding through a Health Resources & Services Administration
Health Center Program grant to use a New Access Point grant to
set up a mobile unit regardless of whether the health center
also establishes a permanent health care delivery site.
New Access Point grants help health centers establish new
delivery sites to provide comprehensive primary care to
medically underserved populations. Under current law, health
centers may only use the grants to set up a mobile unit if they
also establish a permanent site.
Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act
This bill makes several budgetary, technical, and
procedural changes, particularly in relation to Medicare and
increasing the debt limit.
Specifically, the bill continues to exempt Medicare from
sequestration until March 31, 2022. (Sequestration is a process
of automatic, usually across-the-board spending reductions
under which budgetary resources are permanently cancelled to
enforce specific budget policy goals.)
The bill also establishes expedited Senate procedures for
considering legislation to increase the debt limit. The
procedures limit debate, waive points of order, and prohibit
amendments. The procedures may only be used once and expire
after January 16, 2022.
Additionally, the bill (1) temporarily extends other
provisions under Medicare, including a payment increase under
the physician fee schedule; and (2) requires any debits
recorded for FY2022 on the statutory pay-as-you-go (PAYGO)
scorecards to be deducted from the scorecards for 2022 and
added to the scorecards for 2023.
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect
to the scope of new chemical exclusivity.
This bill provides statutory authority for the existing
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) practice of defining active
ingredient more narrowly as active moiety in certain
situations, such as when determining whether a new drug is
entitled to a market exclusivity period or providing priority
review of drugs for treating rare pediatric diseases.
Generally, the FDA defines active moiety as the core
molecule or ion in a drug responsible for the relevant
physiological or pharmacological action. by contrast, the FDA
defines an active ingredient as a component in a drug that is
intended to furnish pharmacological activity or other direct
effect. The FDA's existing practice of interpreting active
ingredient as active moiety in certain situations, as
statutorily authorized by this bill, tends to exclude some
drugs from market exclusivity.
The bill replaces references to active ingredient with
active moiety in various statutes authorizing FDA activities.
John Lewis NIMHD Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2021
This bill expands eligibility for research endowments
available through the National Institute on Minority Health and
Health Disparities to include former centers of excellence at
health professional schools and biomedical and behavioral
research institutions that meet criteria related to the
inclusion of underrepresented minority individuals in programs
and activities.
Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021
This bill requires the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to advance education and awareness among health care providers
about biological products as appropriate, including by
developing or improving continuing education programs that
address the prescribing of biological products and biosimilars.
(A biosimilar is a biological product that is highly similar to
an FDA-approved reference biological product and has no
clinically meaningful differences from that reference product.)
The FDA may also maintain and operate a website to provide
educational materials about biological products.
B. Education
Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act
This bill revises the Impact Aid Program application
process for FY2023.
Specifically, the bill requires local educational agencies
(LEAs) participating in the Impact Aid Program to use the
student count or federal property valuation data from their
FY2022 program applications, as applicable, for their FY2023
program applications. The program provides funding to LEAs that
have lost property tax revenue due to the presence of tax-
exempt federal property or to those that have experienced
increased expenditures due to enrollment of federally connected
children (e.g., children living on Indian lands or military
bases).
Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act
This act allows two borrowers, who had previously received
a joint consolidation loan for their federal student loan debt,
to submit a joint application to the Department of Education to
sever their consolidated loan into two separate loans.
One borrower may submit a separate application in the event
that the individual has experienced domestic or economic abuse
from the other individual borrower or is unable to reasonably
reach or access the loan information of the other borrower. In
the case of a borrower who receives a separate consolidation
loan due to those circumstances, the other individual borrower
must become solely liable for the remaining balance of the
joint consolidation loan.
Consider Teachers Act of 2021
This bill revises the service obligation verification
process for the Teacher Education Assistance for College and
Higher Education (TEACH) grant program. The TEACH program
awards grants to postsecondary students who commit to teaching
for four years in high-need subjects in low-income schools. In
addition, the bill establishes certain program flexibilities
with respect to the service obligations of teachers affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic.
Specifically, the bill provides a process for the
Department of Education (ED) to reconsider and reverse the
conversion of a TEACH grant to a loan. Under current program
terms, TEACH grants are converted into loan obligations if
service requirements are not met.
In addition, the bill directs ED to notify TEACH grant
recipients of the requirements for submitting employment
certifications. ED must also provide an alternative to
certification.
ED must maintain and annually update a list of qualifying
schools and high-need fields.
The bill also provides certain program flexibilities with
respect to the service obligations of teachers affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, the bill (1) extends the
service obligation window for TEACH grants, and (2) requires ED
to consider teaching service that is interrupted as a result of
a qualifying emergency as full-time service for purposes of
Federal Perkins Loans.
C. Armed Forces and National Security
Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
This bill addresses health care, presumption of service-
connection, research, resources, and other matters related to
veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military
service.
D. Economics and Public Finance
Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act
This bill increases the public debt limit by $480 billion.
E. Families
Jenna Quinn Law
This bill allows the Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) to provide grants for evidence-informed child
sexual abuse awareness and prevention programs. The grants may
be awarded for a period of up to five years.
The bill also requires the HHS Office of Inspector General
to report on expenditures under the program.
F. Immigration
Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act
This act requires the Department of Labor to submit to
Congress a study on the factors affecting employment
opportunities for certain individuals with professional
credentials obtained in a non-U.S. country, specifically
individuals who are lawfully present noncitizens or naturalized
U.S. citizens. The study shall include policy recommendations
for better enabling such individuals to obtain skill-
appropriate employment in the United States.
V. LIST OF PUBLIC LAWS OF THE 117TH CONGRESS FROM THE COMMITTEE
ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
P.L. 117-168 [enacted Aug. 10, 2022], To improve the Iraq and
Afghanistan Service Grant and the Children of fallen Heroes Grant.
P.L. 117-210 [enacted Oct. 17, 2022], To require the Secretary of
Labor to conduct a study of the factors affecting employment
opportunities for immigrants and refugees with professional credentials
obtained in foreign countries.
P.L. 117-83 [enacted Jan. 21, 2022], To provide that, due to the
disruptions caused by COVID-19, applications for impact aid funding for
fiscal year 2023 may use certain data submitted in the fiscal year 2022
application.
P.L. 117-101 [enacted Mar. 15, 2022], To increase funding for the
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration and for
the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.
P.L. 117-100 [enacted Mar. 15, 2022], To amend the Public Health
Service Act to provide best practices on student suicide awareness and
prevention training and condition State educational agencies, local
educational agencies, and tribal educational agencies receiving funds
under section 520A of such Act to establish and implement a school-
based student suicide awareness and prevention training policy.
P.L. 117-50 [enacted Oct. 14, 2021], To provide for the publication
by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of physical activity
recommendations for Americans.,
P.L. 117-200 [enacted Oct. 11, 2022 ], To amend the Higher
Education Act of 1965 to authorize borrowers to separate joint
consolidation loans.
P.L. 117-204 [enacted Oct. 17, 2022], To amend the Public Health
Service Act to expand the allowable use criteria for new access points
grants for community health centers.
P.L. 117-22 [enacted Jun. 30, 2021], Providing for congressional
disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule
submitted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to
``Update of Commission's Conciliation Procedures''.
P.L. 117-49 [enacted Oct. 13, 2021], To amend the Higher Education
Act of 1965 in order to improve the service obligation verification
process for TEACH Grant recipients, and for other purposes.
P.L. 117-105 [enacted Mar. 18, 2022], To address behavioral health
and well-being among health care professionals.
P.L. 117-71 [enacted Dec. 10, 2021 ], To address behavioral health
and well-being among health care professionals.
P.L. 117-9 [enacted Apr. 23, 2021], To amend the Federal Food,
Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the scope of new chemical
exclusivity.
P.L. 117-15 [enacted May 26, 202], To reauthorize the Stem Cell
Therapeutic and Research Act of 2005, and for other purposes.
P.L. 117-8 [enacted Apr. 23, 2021], To educate health care
providers and the public on biosimilar biological products, and for
other purposes.
P.L. 117-356 [enacted Jan. 5, 2023], To reauthorize through FY2027
grants awarded to state offices of rural health for improving health
care in rural areas.
P.L. 117-350 [enacted Jan. 5, 2023], To reauthorize through FY2028
and modifies pediatric cancer research and related programs, including
to expand collection of and access to relevant biospecimens and to
support the transition of pediatric cancer survivors to primary care.
P.L. 117-241 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To reauthorize through FY2027
various activities carried out by the Health Resources and Services
Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders that
support screening and early intervention services for newborns,
infants, and young children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
P.L. 117-301 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To require the posting of
contact information of the national human trafficking hotline in
specific places.
P.L. 117-244 [enacted Dec. 20, 2022], To address research,
education, and awareness concerning valvular heart disease and its
treatment. This disease is caused by damage to or disease affecting any
valve that controls blood flow in the heart.
VI. LIST OF FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEE HEARINGS OF THE
COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
1. Nomination of Miguel Cardona to serve as Secretary of Education
Date: Feb. 3, 2021)
2. Nomination of Marty Walsh to serve as Secretary of Labor
Date: Feb. 4, 2021)
3. Nomination of Xavier Becerra to serve as Secretary of Health and
Human Services
Date: Feb. 23, 2021)
4. Nominations of Vivek Murthy to serve as Medical Director in the
Regular Corps of the Public
Date: Feb. 25, 2021)
5. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: An Update from the Frontlines
(March 9, 2021)
6. Nomination of Julie Su to serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor
(March 16, 2021)
7. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: An Update from Federal
Officials (March 18, 2021)
8. Why Does the U.S. Pay the Highest Prices in the World for
Prescription Drugs? (March 23, 2021)
9. Nomination of Cynthia Marten to serve as Deputy Secretary of
Education (March 24, 2021)
10.Examining Our Covid-19 Response: Improving Health Equity and
Outcomes by Addressing Health Disparities (March 25, 2021)
11. Nomination of James Kvaal to serve as Undersecretary of
Education (April 15, 2021)
12. Covid-19 Recovery: Supporting Workers and Modernizing the
Workforce through Quality Education, Training, and Employment
Opportunities (April 20, 2021)
13. Protecting U.S. Biomedical Research: Efforts to Prevent Undue
Foreign Influence (April 22, 2021)
14. Supporting Children, Workers and Families by Strengthening
America's Child Care Sector (April 27, 2021)
15. Examining Our Covid-19 Response: Using Lessons Learned to
Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders (April 28, 2021)
16. Nominations of Jennifer Abruzzo to serve as General Counsel of
the National Labor Relations Board and Seema Nanda to serve as
Solicitor for the Department of Labor (April 29, 2021)
17. An Update from Federal Officials on Efforts to Combat Covid-19
(May 11, 2021)
18. Retirement Security: Building a Better Future (May 13, 2021)
19. Paid Leave for Working Families: Examining Access, Options, and
Impacts (May 18, 2021)
20. A Dire Shortage and Getting Worse: Solving the Crisis in the
Health Care Workforce (May 20, 2021)
21. Nominations of Rajesh Nayak for Assistant Secretary of Labor
for Policy, Taryn Mackenzie Williams for Assistant Secretary of Labor
for Disability Employment Policy, and Doug Parker for Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health (May 27, 2021)
22. Nominations of Dawn O'Connell to be Assistant Secretary for
Preparedness and Response and Miriam Delphin-Rittmon to be Assistant
Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use (June 08, 2021)
23. Covid-19 Response and Recovery: Supporting the Needs of
Students in Higher Education & Lessons on Safely Returning to Campus
(June 17, 2021)
24. Vaccines: America's Shot at Ending the Covid-19 Pandemic (June
22, 2021)
25. Nominations of Catherine Lhamon to be Assistant Secretary for
Civil Rights at the Department of Education, Elizabeth Brown to be
General Counsel of the Department of Education, and Roberto Rodriguez
to be Assistant Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy
Development of the Department of Education (July 13, 2021)
26. Nominations of David Weil to be the Administrator of the Wage
and Hour Division for the Department of Labor, Gwynne Wilcox to be a
Member of the National Labor Relations Board, and David Prouty to be a
Member of the National Labor Relations Board (July 15, 2021)
27. The Path Forward: A Federal Perspective on the Covid-19
Response (July 20, 2021)
28. Addressing Disparities in Life Expectancy (July 21, 2021)
29. The Right to Organize: Empowering American Workers in a 21st
Century Economy (July 22, 2021)
30. The Path Forward: Building on Lessons Learned from the Covid-19
Pandemic (July 27, 2021)
31. Getting America Ready to Work - Successful on the Job,
Apprenticeship Training Programs to Help Workers and Business Get Ready
to Work (September 22, 2021)
32. School Reopening During Covid-19: Supporting Students,
Educators, and Families (September 30, 2021)
33. Nominations of Lisa Gomez to be the Assistant Secretary for
Employee Benefits Security, Department of Labor, and Jose Javier
Rodriguez to be the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training,
Department of Labor (October 07, 2021)
34. Next Steps: The Road Ahead for the Covid-19 Response (November
04, 2021)
35. Nomination of Dr. Robert Califf to be Commissioner of Food and
Drugs, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human
Services (December 14, 2021)
36. Addressing New Variants: A Federal Perspective on the COVID
0919 Response (January 11, 2022)
37. Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders: Responding to the
Growing Crisis
Date: Feb. 1, 2022)
38. Lessons Learned from COVID 0919: Highlighting Innovations,
Maximizing Inclusive Practices and Overcoming Barriers to Employment
for People with Disabilities
Date: Feb. 08, 2022)
39. Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety Hearing:
Recruiting, Revitalizing & Diversifying: Examining the Health Care
Workforce Shortage
Date: Feb. 10, 2022)
40. Supporting Quality Workforce Development Opportunities and
Innovation to Address Barriers to Employment
Date: Feb. 15, 2022)
41. Child Care and Preschool: Cutting Costs for Working Families
(March 3, 2022)
42. Strengthening Federal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and Emerging Issues (March 23,
2022)
43. Rise and Shine: Improving Retirement and Enhancing Savings
(March 29, 2022)
44. FDA User Fee Agreements: Advancing Medical Product Regulation
and Innovation for the Benefit of Patients (April 05, 2022)
45. FDA User Fee Agreements: Advancing Medical Product Regulation
and Innovation for the Benefit of Patients, FDA Center Directors (April
26, 2022)
46. Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety Hearing:
Connecting Workers and Communities: Preparing and Supporting the
Broadband Workforce (May 03, 2022)
47. Nomination of Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission (May 10, 2022)
48. Cybersecurity in the Health and Education Sectors (May 18,
2022)
49. Infant Formula Crisis: Addressing the Shortage and Getting
Formula on Shelves (May 26, 2022)
50. An Update on the Ongoing Federal Response to COVID 0919:
Current Status and Future Planning (June 16, 2022)
51. Supporting Students and Schools: Promising Practices to Get
Back on Track (June 22, 2022)
52. Reproductive Care in a Post-Roe America: Barriers, Challenges,
and Threats to Women's Health (July 13, 2022)
53. Fighting Fentanyl: The Federal Response to a Growing Crisis
(July 26, 2022)
54. Nominations of Karla Gilbride to be General Counsel, Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission and Jessica Looman to be
Administrator, Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor (September
13, 2022)
55. Stopping the Spread of Monkeypox: Examining the Federal
Response (September 14, 2022)
56. Subcommittee on Children and Families Hearing: Caring for Our
Kids: Supporting Mental Health in the Transition from High School to
College (November 30, 2022)
VII. ANTICIPATED ACTIVITIES FOR 117TH CONGRESS
A. Health Care
Increasing our focus on monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic
response at the Federal, state, and local levels, processing
nominees for the new Biden administration, and developing high-
profile, time-intensive efforts in health care. We will also
begin the process of addressing why the U.S. pays the highest
prices in the world for prescription drugs and uncovering the
disparities in life expectancy.
B. Education
Supporting the needs of students in higher education and
lessons on returning to campuses safely and reauthorizing the
Every Student Succeeds Act, as well as continuing work on
higher education and K-12 as it relates to the stresses created
by the pandemic.
C. Labor
Reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act,
getting America ready to work, successful on the job
apprenticeship training programs to help workers and businesses
to get ready to work.
D. Pensions
The Committee's agenda will include multiemployer pension
reforms, retirement security and building better futures by
providing paid leave for working families.
Committee Printing
The Committee printed a total of 1,120 copies of hearings
and reports during the 117th Congress.
APPENDIX
I. REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES ON HEALTH, EDUCATION,
LABOR, AND PENSIONS
Full Committee
Report on Legislative Activities of the Committee on Health, Education,
Labor, and Pensions, United States Senate during the 117th Congress
2021-2022
Reported: Mar. 31, 2023.
Children and Families
No Reports for the 117th Congress
Employment and Workplace Safety
No Reports for the 117th Congress
Primary Health and Retirement Security
No Reports for the 117th Congress
II. PUBLIC LAWS ENACTED DURING THE 117TH CONGRESS
H.R.941
TRANSPLANT Act of 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-15
May 26, 2021
H.R.1193
Cardiovascular Advances in Research and Opportunities Legacy Act
Dec. 20, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-244.
H.R.1667
Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act
Mar. 18, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-105.
H.R.7181
Human Trafficking Prevention Act of 2022
Dec. 27, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-301.
S.164
Advancing Education on Biosimilars Act of 2021
Apr. 23, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-8.
S.415
A bill to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect
to the scope of new chemical exclusivity.
Apr. 23, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-9.
S.610
Protecting Medicare and American Farmers from Sequester Cuts Act
Dec. 10, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-71.
S.848
Consider Teachers Act of 2021
Oct. 13, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-49.
S.958
Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment
for (MOBILE) Health Care Act
Oct. 17, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-204.
S.1098
Joint Consolidation Loan Separation Act
Oct. 11, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-200.
S.1301
Promoting Physical Activity for Americans Act
Oct. 14, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-50.
S.1543
STANDUP Act of 2021
Mar. 15, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-100.
S.1662
Supporting the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health and the
Reagan-Udall Foundation for the Food and Drug Administration Act
Mar. 15, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-101.
S.2959
Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act
Jan. 21, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-83.
S.3157
Bridging the Gap for New Americans Act
Oct. 17, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-210.
S.3373
Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address
Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022
Aug. 10, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-168.
S.4052
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022
Dec. 20, 2022. PUBLIC LAW 117-241.
S.4120
Childhood Cancer STAR Reauthorization Act
Jan. 5, 2023. PUBLIC LAW 117-350.
S.4978
State Offices of Rural Health Program Reauthorization Act of 2022
Jan. 5, 2023. PUBLIC LAW 117-356.
S.J.Res.13
A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under
chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission relating to ``Update of
Commission's Conciliation Procedures''.
Jun. 30, 2021. PUBLIC LAW 117-22.
III. HEARINGS BY FULL COMMITTEE AND SUBCOMMITTEES
HEARINGS BY THE FULL COMMITTEE
EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: AN UPDATE FROM THE FRONTLINES
Examining the COVID-19 response, focusing on an update from the
frontlines
Date: Mar. 9, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-173).
EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS
Examining The Covid-19 Response, Focusing On An Update From Federal
Officials
Date: Mar. 18, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-175).
WHY DOES THE U.S. PAY THE HIGHEST PRICES IN THE WORLD FOR PRESCRIPTION
DRUGS?
Examining Why The U.S. Pays The Highest Prices in the World for
Prescription Drugs
Date: Mar. 23, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-176).
EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: IMPROVING HEALTH EQUITY AND OUTCOMES
BY ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES
Examining Our Covid-19 Response, Focusing On Improving Health Equity
and Outcomes by Addressing Health Disparities
Date: Mar. 25, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-178).
COVID-19 RECOVERY: SUPPORTING WORKERS AND MODERNIZING THE WORKFORCE
THROUGH QUALITY EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Examining Covid-19 Recovery, Focusing On Supporting Workers and
Modernizing The Workforce Through Quality Education, Training, and
Employment Opportunities
Date: Apr. 20, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-180).
PROTECTING U.S. BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH: EFFORTS TO PREVENT UNDUE FOREIGN
INFLUENCE
Examining Protecting U.S. Biomedical Research, Focusing On Efforts To
Prevent Undue Foreign Influence
Date: Apr. 22, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-181).
SUPPORTING CHILDREN, WORKERS AND FAMILIES BY STRENGTHENING AMERICA'S
CHILD CARE SECTOR
Examining Supporting Children, Workers and Families by Strengthening
America's Child Care Sector
Date: Apr. 27, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-182).
EXAMINING OUR COVID-19 RESPONSE: USING LESSONS LEARNED TO ADDRESS
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
Examining The Response To Covid-19, Focusing On Using Lessons Learned
To Address Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Date: Apr. 28, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-183).
AN UPDATE FROM FEDERAL OFFICIALS ON EFFORTS TO COMBAT COVID-19
Examining An Update From Federal Officials On Efforts To Combat Covid-
19 MAY 11, 2021
May 11, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-185).
RETIREMENT SECURITY: BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE
Examining Retirement Security, Focusing On Building A Better Future
May 13, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-186).
PAID LEAVE FOR WORKING FAMILIES: EXAMINING ACCESS, OPTIONS, AND IMPACTS
Examining Paid Leave for Working Families, Focusing On Examining
Access, Options, and Impacts
May 18, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-187).
A DIRE SHORTAGE AND GETTING WORSE: SOLVING THE CRISIS IN THE HEALTH
CARE WORKFORCE
Examining Solving The Crisis in the Health Care Workforce
May 20, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-188).
COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY: SUPPORTING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS IN
HIGHER EDUCATION & LESSONS ON SAFELY RETURNING TO CAMPUS
Examining Covid-19 Response and Recovery, Focusing On Supporting The
Needs of Students In Higher Education and Lessons On Safely
Returning To Campus
Date: Jun. 17, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-191).
VACCINES: AMERICA'S SHOT AT ENDING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Examining Vaccines, Focusing On America's Shot At Ending The Covid-19
Pandemic
Date: Jun. 22, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).
THE PATH FORWARD: A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE COVID-19 RESPONSE
Examining a Federal perspective on the COVID-19 response, focusing on
the path forward
Date: Jul. 20, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-195).
ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY
Examining disparities in life expectancy
Date: Jul. 21, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-196).
THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE: EMPOWERING AMERICAN WORKERS IN A 21ST CENTURY
ECONOMY
Examining American workers in a 21st century economy, focusing on the
right to organize
Date: Jul. 22, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-197).
THE PATH FORWARD: BUILDING ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC
Examining building on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic,
focusing on the path forward
Date: Jul. 27, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-198).
GETTING AMERICA READY TO WORK - SUCCESSFUL ON THE JOB, APPRENTICESHIP
TRAINING PROGRAMS TO HELP WORKERS AND BUSINESS GET READY TO WORK
Examining successful on the job, apprenticeship training programs to
help workers and business get ready to work
Date: Sep. 22, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-199).
SCHOOL REOPENING DURING COVID-19: SUPPORTING STUDENTS, EDUCATORS, AND
FAMILIES
Examining school reopening during COVID-19, focusing on supporting
students, educators, and families
Date: Sep. 30, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-200).
NEXT STEPS: THE ROAD AHEAD FOR THE COVID-19 RESPONSE
Examining the road ahead for the COVID-19 response, focusing on next
steps
Date: Nov. 04, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-202).
NOMINATION OF DR. ROBERT CALIFF TO BE COMMISSIONER OF FOOD AND DRUGS,
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Examining the nomination of Robert McKinnon Califf, of North Carolina,
to be Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Department of Health and
Human Services
Date: Dec. 14, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-203).
ADDRESSING NEW VARIANTS: A FEDERAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE COVID 0919
RESPONSE
Examining a Federal perspective on the COVID-19 response, focusing on
addressing new variants examine a Federal perspective on the COVID-
19 response, focusing on addressing new variants
Date: Jan. 11, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-386).
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS: RESPONDING TO THE GROWING
CRISIS
Examining mental health and substance use disorders, focusing on
responding to the growing crisis
Date: Feb. 1, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-387).
LESSONS LEARNED FROM COVID 0919: HIGHLIGHTING INNOVATIONS, MAXIMIZING
INCLUSIVE PRACTICES AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT FOR PEOPLE
WITH DISABILITIES
Examining lessons learned from COVID-19, focusing on highlighting
innovations, maximizing inclusive practices, and overcoming
barriers to employment for people with disabilities
Date: Feb. 08, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-388).
SUPPORTING QUALITY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND INNOVATION
TO ADDRESS BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT
Examining supporting quality workforce development opportunities and
innovation to address barriers to employment
Date: Feb. 15, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-390).
CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL: CUTTING COSTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Date: Mar. 22, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-391).
STRENGTHENING FEDERAL MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
PROGRAMS: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND EMERGING ISSUES
Examining strengthening Federal mental health and substance use
disorder programs, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and
emerging issues examine strengthening Federal mental health and
substance use disorder programs, focusing on opportunities,
challenges, and emerging issues
Date: Mar. 23, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-392).
RISE AND SHINE: IMPROVING RETIREMENT AND ENHANCING SAVINGS
Examining improving retirement and enhancing savings
Date: Mar. 29, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-393).
FDA USER FEE AGREEMENTS: ADVANCING MEDICAL PRODUCT REGULATION AND
INNOVATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF PATIENTS
Examining Food and Drug Administration user fee agreements, focusing on
advancing medical product regulation and innovation for the benefit
of patients
Date: Apr. 05, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-394).
FDA USER FEE AGREEMENTS: ADVANCING MEDICAL PRODUCT REGULATION AND
INNOVATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF PATIENTS, FDA CENTER DIRECTORS
Examining Food and Drug Administration user fee agreements, focusing on
advancing medical product regulation and innovation for the benefit
of patients and Food and Drug AdministrationCenter Directors
Date: Apr. 26, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-395).
CYBERSECURITY IN THE HEALTH AND EDUCATION SECTORS
Examining cybersecurity in the health and education sectors
Date: May 18, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-398).
INFANT FORMULA CRISIS: ADDRESSING THE SHORTAGE AND GETTING FORMULA ON
SHELVES
Examining the infant formula crisis, focusing on addressing the
shortage and getting formula on shelves
Date: May 26, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-399).
AN UPDATE ON THE ONGOING FEDERAL RESPONSE TO COVID 0919: CURRENT STATUS
AND FUTURE PLANNING
Examining an update on the ongoing Federal response to COVID-19,
focusing on current status and future planning
Date: Jun. 16, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-400).
SUPPORTING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS: PROMISING PRACTICES TO GET BACK ON
TRACK
Examining supporting students and schools, focusing on promising
practices to get back on track
Date: Jun. 22, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-401).
REPRODUCTIVE CARE IN A POST-ROE AMERICA: BARRIERS, CHALLENGES, AND
THREATS TO WOMEN'S HEALTH
Examining reproductive care in a post-Roe America, focusing on
barriers, challenges, and threats to women's health
Date: Jul. 13, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-403).
FIGHTING FENTANYL: THE FEDERAL RESPONSE TO A GROWING CRISIS
Examining fighting fentanyl, focusing on the Federal response to a
growing crisis
Date: Jul. 26, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-404).
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF MONKEYPOX: EXAMINING THE FEDERAL RESPONSE
Examining stopping the spread of monkeypox, focusing on the Federal
response
Date: Sep. 14, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-406).
HEARINGS ON NOMINATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Miguel A. Cardona, of Connecticut, to be Secretary of Education
Date: Feb. 3, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-169).
Cynthia Minette Marten, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of
Education
Date: Mar. 24, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-177).
James Richard Kvaal, of Massachusetts, to be Under Secretary of
Education
Date: April 15, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-179).
Catherine Elizabeth Lhamon, of California, to be Assistant Secretary
for Civil Rights, who was introduced by Senator Murray.
Date: Jul. 13, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).
Elizabeth Merrill Brown, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, who was
introduced by Senator Van Hollen.
Date: Jul. 13, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).
Roberto Josue Rodriguez, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant
Secretary for Planning, Evaluation, and Policy Development, who
was introduced by Former Representative George Miller.
Date: Jul. 13, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-193).
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Xavier Becerra, of California, to be Secretary of Health and Human
Services.
Date: Feb. 23, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-171).
Rachel Leland Levine, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary of
Health and Human Services.
Date: Feb. 13, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-172).
Dawn Myers O'Connell, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant
Secretary for Preparedness and Response, who was introduced by
Senator Murray.
Date: Jun. 8, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-190).
Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, of Connecticut, to be Assistant Secretary
for Mental Health and Substance Use, Department of Health and
Human Services.
Date: Jun. 8, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-190).
Robert McKinnon Califf, of North Carolina, to be Commissioner of Food
and Drugs, Department of Health and Human Services.
Date: Jun. 8, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-203).
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Florida, to be Medical Director in the
Regular Corps of the Public Health Service, and to be Surgeon
General of the Public Health Service.
Date: Feb. 25, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-172).
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Martin Joseph Walsh, of Massachusetts, to be Secretary of Labor.
Date: Feb. 4, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-170).
Julie A. Su, of California, to be Deputy Secretary of Labor.
Date: Mar. 16, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-174).
Seema Nanda, of Virginia, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor.
Date: Apr. 29, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).
Rajesh D. Nayak, of Maryland, Taryn Mackenzie Williams, of the District
of Columbia, and Douglas L. Parker, of West Virginia, Each to
be an Assistant Secretary of Labor.
Date: May 27, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).
Taryn Mackenzie Williams, of the District of Columbia, to be an
Assistant Secretary of Labor.
Date: May 27, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).
Douglas L. Parker, of West Virginia, to be and Assistant Secretary of
Labor.
Date: Feb. 4, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-189).
Lisa Gomez, of New Jersey, to be the Assistant Secretary for Employee
Benefits Security, Department of Labor.
Date: Oct. 07, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-201).
Jose Javier Rodriguez, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of
Labor.
Date: Oct. 07, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-201).
James D. Rodriguez, of Texas, to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Veterans' Employment and Training.
Date: Dec. 2, 2021
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
Jennifer Ann Abruzzo, of New York, to be General Counsel of the
National Labor Relations Board, who was introduced by Senator
Murray.
Date: Apr. 29, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).
Seema Nanda, of Virginia, to be Solicitor for the Department of Labor,
who was introduced by Senator Kaine.
Date: Apr. 29, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-184).
David Weil, of Massachusetts, to be the Administrator of the Wage and
Hour Division for the Department of Labor.
Date: Jul. 15, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).
Gwynne Wilcox, of New York, to be a Member of the National Labor
Relations Board.
Date: Jul. 15, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).
David Prouty to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board.
Date: Jul. 15, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-194).
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
Kalpana Kotagal, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission.
Date: May 10, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-397).
Karla Ann Gilbride, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission.
Date: Sep. 13, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-405).
Jessica Looman, of Minnesota, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour
Division, Department of Labor.
Date: Sep. 13, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-405).
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
CARING FOR OUR KIDS: SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH IN THE TRANSITION FROM
HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE
Examining caring for our kids, focusing on supporting mental health in
the transition from high school to college
Date: Nov. 30, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-626).
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT AND WORKPLACE SAFETY
RECRUITING, REVITALIZING & DIVERSIFYING: EXAMINING THE HEALTH CARE
WORKFORCE SHORTAGE
Date: Feb. 10, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-389).
CONNECTING WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES: PREPARING AND SUPPORTING THE
BROADBAND WORKFORCE EXAMINE CONNECTING WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES,
FOCUSING ON PREPARING AND SUPPORTING THE BROADBAND WORKFORCE
Date: May 03, 2022
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-396).
HEARINGS BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON PRIMARY HEALTH AND RETIREMENT SECURITY
A DIRE SHORTAGE AND GETTING WORSE: SOLVING THE CRISIS IN THE HEALTH
CARE WORKFORCE
Date: May 20, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-188).
ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN LIFE EXPECTANCY
Date: Jul. 21, 2021
Number of volumes: One (S. Hrg. 117-196).
IV. STATISTICAL SUMMARY
ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, AND PENSIONS
117TH CONGRESS
------------------------------------------------
2022
2021
2d Sess. Totals
1st Sess.
--------------------------------
Nominations
Referred to Committee.........41..................16..........57............
Reported to Senate............25..................25..........50............
Confirmed by Senate...........26..................8...........34............
Withdrawn (by House or persona2...................0...........2.............
Returned to President (pursuan0.................Se2...........2.............
Recess Appointments...........0...................0...........0.............
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Communications
Presidential messages.........0...................0...........0.............
Executive/reports.............134.................111.........245...........
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Total...................134.................111.........245...........
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Bills and Resolutions*
Senate bills and joint resolut274.................223.........497...........
Senate resolutions and concurr37..................31..........68............
House-passed bills, joint reso50................rr8.........ti58............
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Total...................361.................262.........623...........
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Hearing Days Held**
Full Committee:
In Washington, DC...........33..................18..........51............
Out of town.................0...................0...........0.............
Subcommittees:
In Washington, DC...........2...................3...........5.............
Out of town.................0...................0...........0.............
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Total...................35..................21..........56............
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Executive Meetings
Full committee................12..................11..........23............
Subcommittees.................0...................0...........0.............
Conference sessions...........0...................0...........0.............
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Total...................12..................11..........23............
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Reported to the Senate
Senate bills and joint resolut34..................16..........50............
House-passed bills............50..................24..........74............
Senate resolutions, concurrent1.................sp0.........rt1.............
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Total...................85..................40..........125...........
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Presidential Action
Public laws...................16..................4...........20............
Vetoed........................0...................0...........0.............
Presidential vetoes overridden0.................la0...........0.............
--------------------------------
*Including bills acted upon introduction and Senate and House bills
taken from the Calendar or desk. **Including nomination hearings.
***Including bills reported by and discharged from the Committee.
V. RULES OF PROCEDURE
rules of procedure (as agreed to January 16, 2021)
Rule 1.--Subject to the provisions of rule XXVI, paragraph
5, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, regular meetings of the
committee shall be held on the second and fourth Wednesday of
each month, at 10:00 a.m., in room SD-430, Dirksen Senate
Office Building. The chairman may, upon proper notice, call
such additional meetings as he may deem necessary.
Rule 2.--The chairman of the committee or of a
subcommittee, or if the chairman is not present, the ranking
majority member present, shall preside at all meetings. The
chairman may designate the ranking minority member to preside
at hearings of the committee or subcommittee.
Rule 3.--Meetings of the committee or a subcommittee,
including meetings to conduct hearings, shall be open to the
public except as otherwise specifically provided in subsections
(b) and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate.
Rule 4.--(a) Subject to paragraph (b), one-third of the
membership of the committee, actually present, shall constitute
a quorum for the purpose of transacting business. Any quorum of
the committee which is composed of less than a majority of the
members of the committee shall include at least one member of
the majority and one member of the minority.
(b) A majority of the members of a subcommittee, actually
present, shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of
transacting business: provided, no measure or matter shall be
ordered reported unless such majority shall include at least
one member of the minority who is a member of the subcommittee.
If, at any subcommittee meeting, a measure or matter cannot be
ordered reported because of the absence of such a minority
member, the measure or matter shall lay over for a day. If the
presence of a member of the minority is not then obtained, a
majority of the members of the subcommittee, actually present,
may order such measure or matter reported.
(c) No measure or matter shall be ordered reported from the
committee or a subcommittee unless a majority of the committee
or subcommittee is physically present.
Rule 5.--With the approval of the chairman of the committee
or subcommittee, one member thereof may conduct public hearings
other than taking sworn testimony.
Rule 6.--Proxy voting shall be allowed on all measures and
matters before the committee or a subcommittee if the absent
member has been informed of the matter on which he is being
recorded and has affirmatively requested that he be so
recorded. While proxies may be voted on a motion to report a
measure or matter from the committee, such a motion shall also
require the concurrence of a majority of the members who are
actually present at the time such action is taken.
The committee may poll any matters of committee business as
a matter of unanimous consent; provided that every member is
polled and every poll consists of the following two questions:
(1) Do you agree or disagree to poll the proposal;
and
(2) Do you favor or oppose the proposal.
Rule 7.--There shall be prepared and kept a complete
transcript or electronic recording adequate to fully record the
proceedings of each committee or subcommittee meeting or
conference whether or not such meetings or any part thereof is
closed pursuant to the specific provisions of subsections (b)
and (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate,
unless a majority of said members vote to forgo such a record.
Such records shall contain the vote cast by each member of the
committee or subcommittee on any question on which a ``yea and
nay'' vote is demanded, and shall be available for inspection
by any committee member. The clerk of the committee, or the
clerk's designee, shall have the responsibility to make
appropriate arrangements to implement this rule.
Rule 8.--The committee and each subcommittee shall
undertake, consistent with the provisions of rule XXVI,
paragraph 4, of the Standing Rules of the Senate, to issue
public announcement of any hearing or executive session it
intends to hold at least one week prior to the commencement of
such hearing or executive session. In the case of an executive
session, the text of any bill or joint resolution to be
considered must be provided to the chairman for prompt
electronic distribution to the members of the committee.
Rule 9.--The committee or a subcommittee shall require all
witnesses heard before it to file written statements of their
proposed testimony at least 24 hours before a hearing, unless
the chairman and the ranking minority member determine that
there is good cause for failure to so file, and to limit their
oral presentation to brief summaries of their arguments.
Testimony may be filed electronically. The presiding officer at
any hearing is authorized to limit the time of each witness
appearing before the committee or a subcommittee. The committee
or a subcommittee shall, as far as practicable, utilize
testimony previously taken on bills and measures similar to
those before it for consideration.
Rule 10.--Should a subcommittee fail to report back to the
full committee on any measure within a reasonable time, the
chairman may withdraw the measure from such subcommittee and
report that fact to the full committee for further disposition.
Rule 11.--No subcommittee may schedule a meeting or hearing
at a time designated for a hearing or meeting of the full
committee. No more than one subcommittee executive meeting may
be held at the same time.
Rule 12.--It shall be the duty of the chairman in
accordance with section 133(c) of the Legislative
Reorganization Act of 1946, as amended, to report or cause to
be reported to the Senate, any measure or recommendation
approved by the committee and to take or cause to be taken,
necessary steps to bring the matter to a vote in the Senate.
Rule 13.--Whenever a meeting of the committee or
subcommittee is closed pursuant to the provisions of subsection
(b) or (d) of rule 26.5 of the Standing Rules of the Senate, no
person other than members of the committee, members of the
staff of the committee, and designated assistants to members of
the committee shall be permitted to attend such closed session,
except by special dispensation of the committee or subcommittee
or the chairman thereof.
Rule 14.--The chairman of the committee or a subcommittee
shall be empowered to adjourn any meeting of the committee or a
subcommittee if a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes
of the time schedule for such meeting.
Rule 15.--Whenever a bill or joint resolution shall be
before the committee or a subcommittee for final consideration,
the clerk shall distribute to each member of the committee or
subcommittee a document, prepared by the sponsor of the bill or
joint resolution. If the bill or joint resolution has no
underlying statutory language, the document shall consist of a
detailed summary of the purpose and impact of each section. If
the bill or joint resolution repeals or amends any statute or
part thereof, the document shall consist of a detailed summary
of the underlying statute and the proposed changes in each
section of the underlying law and either a print of the statute
or the part or section thereof to be amended or replaced
showing by stricken-through type, the part or parts to be
omitted and, in italics, the matter proposed to be added, along
with a summary of the proposed changes; or a side-by-side
document showing a comparison of current law, the proposed
legislative changes, and a detailed description of the proposed
changes.
Rule 16.--An appropriate opportunity shall be given the
minority to examine the proposed text of committee reports
prior to their filing or publication. In the event there are
supplemental, minority, or additional views, an appropriate
opportunity shall be given the majority to examine the proposed
text prior to filing or publication. Unless the chairman and
ranking minority member agree on a shorter period of time, the
minority shall have no fewer than three business days to
prepare supplemental, minority or additional views for
inclusion in a committee report from the time the majority
makes the proposed text of the committee report available to
the minority.
Rule 17.--(a) The committee, or any subcommittee, may issue
subpoenas, or hold hearings to take sworn testimony or hear
subpoenaed witnesses, only if such investigative activity has
been authorized by majority vote of the committee.
(b) for the purpose of holding a hearing to take sworn
testimony or hear subpoenaed witnesses, three members of the
committee or subcommittee shall constitute a quorum: provided,
with the concurrence of the chairman and ranking minority
member of the committee or subcommittee, a single member may
hear subpoenaed witnesses or take sworn testimony.
(c) The committee may, by a majority vote, delegate the
authority to issue subpoenas to the chairman of the committee
or a subcommittee, or to any member designated by such
chairman. Prior to the issuance of each subpoena, the ranking
minority member of the committee or subcommittee, and any other
member so requesting, shall be notified regarding the identity
of the person to whom it will be issued and the nature of the
information sought and its relationship to the authorized
investigative activity, except where the chairman of the
committee or subcommittee, in consultation with the ranking
minority member, determines that such notice would unduly
impede the investigation. All information obtained pursuant to
such investigative activity shall be made available as promptly
as possible to each member of the committee requesting same, or
to any assistant to a member of the committee designated by
such member in writing, but the use of any such information is
subject to restrictions imposed by the rules of the Senate.
Such information, to the extent that it is relevant to the
investigation shall, if requested by a member, be summarized in
writing as soon as practicable. Upon the request of any member,
the chairman of the committee or subcommittee shall call an
executive session to discuss such investigative activity or the
issuance of any subpoena in connection therewith.
(d) Any witness summoned to testify at a hearing, or any
witness giving sworn testimony, may be accompanied by counsel
of his own choosing who shall be permitted, while the witness
is testifying, to advise him of his legal rights.
(e) No confidential testimony taken or confidential
material presented in an executive hearing, or any report of
the proceedings of such an executive hearing, shall be made
public, either in whole or in part or by way of summary, unless
authorized by a majority of the members of the committee or
subcommittee.
Rule 18.--Presidential nominees shall submit a statement of
their background and financial interests, including the
financial interests of their spouse and children living in
their household, on a form approved by the committee which
shall be sworn to as to its completeness and accuracy. The
committee form shall be in two parts--
(I) information relating to employment, education and
background of the nominee relating to the position to
which the individual is nominated, and which is to be
made public; and,
(II) information relating to financial and other
background of the nominee, to be made public when the
committee determines that such information bears
directly on the nominee's qualifications to hold the
position to which the individual is nominated.
Information relating to background and financial interests
(parts I and II) shall not be required of nominees for less
than full-time appointments to councils, commissions or boards
when the committee determines that some or all of the
information is not relevant to the nature of the position.
Information relating to other background and financial
interests (part II) shall not be required of any nominee when
the committee determines that it is not relevant to the nature
of the position.
Committee action on a nomination, including hearings or
meetings to consider a motion to recommend confirmation, shall
not be initiated until at least five days after the nominee
submits the form required by this rule unless the chairman,
with the concurrence of the ranking minority member, waives
this waiting period.
Rule 19.--Subject to statutory requirements imposed on the
committee with respect to procedure, the rules of the committee
may be changed, modified, amended or suspended at any time;
provided, not less than a majority of the entire membership so
determine at a regular meeting with due notice, or at a meeting
specifically called for that purpose.
Rule 20.--When the ratio of members on the committee is
even, the term ``majority'' as used in the committee's rules
and guidelines shall refer to the party of the chairman for
purposes of party identification. Numerical requirements for
quorums, votes and the like shall be unaffected.
Rule 21.--First degree amendments must be filed with the
chairman at least 24 hours before an executive session. The
chairman shall promptly distribute all filed amendments
electronically to the members of the committee. The chairman
may modify the filing requirements to meet special
circumstances with the concurrence of the ranking minority
member.
Rule 22.--In addition to the foregoing, the proceedings of
the committee shall be governed by the Standing Rules of the
Senate and the provisions of the Legislative Reorganization Act
of 1946, as amended.
* * * * * * *
Guidelines of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions With Respect to Hearings, Markup Sessions, and Related Matters
hearings
Section 133A(a) of the Legislative Reorganization Act
requires each committee of the Senate to publicly announce the
date, place, and subject matter of any hearing at least one
week prior to the commencement of such hearing.
The spirit of this requirement is to assure adequate notice
to the public and other Members of the Senate as to the time
and subject matter of proposed hearings. In the spirit of
section 133A(a) and in order to assure that members of the
committee are themselves fully informed and involved in the
development of hearings:
1. Public notice of the date, place, and subject
matter of each committee or subcommittee hearing should
be inserted in the Congressional Record seven days
prior to the commencement of such hearing.
2. At least seven days prior to public notice of each
committee or subcommittee hearing, the majority should
provide notice to the minority of the time, place and
specific subject matter of such hearing.
3. At least three days prior to the date of such
hearing, the committee or subcommittee should provide
to each member a list of witnesses who have been or are
proposed to be invited to appear.
4. The committee and its subcommittee should, to the
maximum feasible extent, enforce the provisions of rule
9 of the committee rules as it relates to the
submission of written statements of witnesses twenty-
four hours in advance of a hearing. Witnesses will be
urged to submit testimony even earlier whenever
possible. When statements are received in advance of a
hearing, the committee or subcommittee (as appropriate)
should distribute copies of such statements to each of
its members. Witness testimony may be submitted and
distributed electronically.
executive sessions for the purpose of marking up bills
In order to expedite the process of marking up bills and to
assist each member of the committee so that there may be full
and fair consideration of each bill which the committee or a
subcommittee is marking up the following procedures should be
followed:
1. Seven days prior to the proposed date for an executive
session for the purpose of marking up bills the committee or
subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide written notice to
each of its members as to the time, place, and specific subject
matter of such session, including an agenda listing each bill
or other matters to be considered and including:
(a) a copy of each bill, joint resolution, or other
legislative matter (or committee print thereof) to be
considered at such executive session; and
(b) a copy of a summary of the provisions of each
bill, joint resolution, or other legislative matter to
be considered at such executive session including,
whenever possible, an explanation of changes to
existing law proposed to be made.
2. Insofar as practical, prior to the scheduled date for an
executive session for the purpose of marking up bills, the
committee or a subcommittee (as appropriate) should provide
each member with a copy of the printed record or a summary of
any hearings conducted by the committee or a subcommittee with
respect to each bill, joint resolution, or other legislative
matter to be considered at such executive session.
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