Sen. Bill Cassidy. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Sen. Bill Cassidy will be the HELP Committee chair next year after Sen. Rand Paul on Thursday opted to lead the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs panel.
Why it matters: The move was expected and cements Cassidy's perch over health policy — an assignment the physician-lawmaker signaled he'll approach with enthusiasm.
- Paul's seniority made him the next Republican in line to claim the HELP gavel.
What they're saying: "I am excited to work closely with President Trump and my Republican colleagues to implement a pro-America agenda and deliver real solutions for Louisiana and American families," Cassidy said in a statement.
State of play: He did not get into his planned agenda for the committee.
- But there are clues, based on the array of white papers and requests for information he has put out, including on AI in health care, the 340B program and modernizing the NIH.
- Chris Gillott, Cassidy's longtime legislative director and now a principal at Invariant, pointed to "leveraging AI technology, protecting patient health information, and improving the functioning of NIH, CDC and FDA" as possible priorities.
- Robb Walton, a former health policy adviser to Cassidy who's now a principal at BGR Group, said he expects Cassidy to work with the new administration on setting priorities, and that the senator can be a "coalition builder" on bipartisan action outside of reconciliation.
Between the lines: Paul's ascension to the Homeland Security chairmanship also could have health care ramifications, including potential investigations into COVID-related matters.
- Paul also has concerns with the Biosecure Act that cracks down on Chinese biotech, which could pose a complication if the bill does not get done during the lame duck.
