Time Is Running Out in the Lame-Duck Session

The current continuing resolution funding the government ends on December 20. To avoid a shutdown, Congress must pass, and President Biden sign, either a new continuing resolution (perhaps until March) or a full omnibus package of appropriation bills by midnight on December 20.

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has aimed to release the continuing resolution legislation this week, leaving little time for other business. It is uncertain whether the House can pass this stopgap measure, which includes hurricane recovery aid and potential additional health-care policy items. There appears to be very little interest in extending telehealth and hospital-at-home care rules, or preventing doctor pay cuts. No agreement currently exists on how to fund these measures.

The Academy continues to advocate for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act. However, we acknowledge that the bill will likely need to be reintroduced in the 119th Congress starting in January.