The lame duck session could break gridlock that's kept key programs on pandemic preparedness, opioid addiction and the global AIDS epidemic from getting renewed so far this session, Victoria and Peter report.
Why it matters: Some of the efforts continue to get funded through the annual appropriations process, making their renewal less of an imperative but leaving policy updates on hold.
Here's a rundown of expired programs that will command attention, though passage likely depends on a large-scale health deal coming together:
PAHPA
- The Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act's reauthorization expired over a year ago, at the end of September 2023, and there hasn't been much action since.
- Temporary renewals addressing matters like responding to natural disasters have been wrapped into stopgap spending packages since last year.
- One lobbyist told Victoria and Peter that it's possible that such health security provisions would be extended for another two years in the next funding deal. But most everything else is likely to be deferred until after the election.
- House conservatives also continue to oppose a PAHPA reauthorization without changes like cutting funding levels and establishing a vaccine liability commission.
SUPPORT Act
- The reauthorization of the SUPPORT Act, which includes a range of programs aimed at fighting the opioid crisis, has bipartisan backing, but has been stalled since last year's deadline for renewal passed.
- One envisioned bipartisan change would allow state opioid response grants to be used to treat other substance use disorders, such as alcohol addiction, that can co-exist with opioid addiction.
- There's still disagreement over whether to attach separate legislation expanding the availability of methadone as an opioid addiction treatment.
PEPFAR
The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief was authorized for one year when the FY24 funding deal came together this spring. It marked the first time the program wasn't reauthorized for a five-year period since its creation in 2003.
- This short-term authorization leaves the program expiring again in March 2025 if lawmakers don't take action at the end of this year or early in the new Congress, when they'll likely have many other issues on their plate.
- Some congressional Republicans raised concerns last year that some of the program's funds were being used to fund abortions.
- If former President Trump wins the election, he will have more sway over whether and how the program is altered because of the short-term renewal.
