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Key Health Policy Lawmakers in the 112th Congress
Jeffrey J. Kimball  |  January 17, 2011
Q

Question:  Which Members of Congress might be expected to lead the health policy agenda for the life sciences industry for 2011?

 

A

Jeffrey J. KimballAnswer:  The 112th Congress convened on January 5, 2011, and as a first order of business, House Republicans have scheduled a vote to repeal the new health care law. Simultaneously, drug and device stakeholders are preparing for upcoming legislative reauthorizations of user fee programs administered by the Food and Drug Administration to speed product reviews. A number of power players will have a role in shaping the health policy environment for the life sciences industry this year; however, some of the key lawmakers to watch include:

  • Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI), Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee;
  • Congressman Dave Camp (R-MI), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee;
  • Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee;
  • Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee;
  • Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Ranking-Member of the Senate Finance Committee;
  • Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), an active member of the Senate HELP Committee; and
  • Freshman Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI).

    • For a more detailed analysis on this topic, click here.

    Jeff Kimbell is president of Jeffrey J. Kimbell & Associates, a government affairs and health policy firm in Washington, DC.