Guthrie. Photo: Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call
UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty is becoming an A-list guest on both sides of the Capitol, with two committees vying to bring him in to answer questions about the massive cyberattack at his Change Healthcare unit.
Why it matters: Cybersecurity could be a bipartisan focal point, though yesterday's House Energy and Commerce became something of a forum for concern about the effects of health care mergers.
- Some lawmakers were frustrated that UnitedHealth didn't send a representative to the hearing and hasn't yet answered key questions, though Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers noted UnitedHealth had recently briefed committee members.
What we're hearing: E&C Health subcommittee Chair Brett Guthrie tells Axios he's aiming to bring Witty in for a follow-up hearing.
- "We're going to give them an opportunity to testify," Guthrie said. "Preferably it's the CEO," he said, adding that he "absolutely" wants someone from UnitedHealth or Change Healthcare in front of the committee soon.
Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden also has plans to bring in Witty, though there's no date set.
- Congressional interest could intensify as hackers begin sharing snippets of patients' hospital bills and other data stolen from Change Healthcare networks during the recent attack.
