Senate Finance Chair Ron Wyden. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
The Senate Finance Committee is planning a Sept. 18 hearing on the Inflation Reduction Act's drug pricing measures and the need to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, sources say.
Why it matters: It would be a chance for Democrats to hit some of their key talking points in the run-up to the election but also give Republicans a forum to bash the laws.
Between the lines: Lowering drug prices is a very popular issue with voters so it makes sense that Finance Chair Ron Wyden and panel Democrats want to highlight their efforts, including allowing Medicare to directly negotiate with manufacturers for the first time.
But Republicans are likely to highlight premium increases in Medicare Part D that the Biden administration is trying to head off with a demonstration program providing funding to insurers.
The hearing will also be a preview of next year's battle over extending the enhanced ACA subsidies.
It will be worth watching how strongly Republicans come out swinging against those subsidies.
