Last week we explained some of the key agencies and functions that fall within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This week we explain the congressional committees responsible for overseeing the nation’s health care programs and determine funding for HHS and its agencies.
- House Committee on Energy and Commerce: responsible for legislative oversight of a broad array of issues: telecommunications, consumer protection, food and drug safety, healthcare, air/water quality and environmental health, the supply and delivery of energy, and interstate and foreign commerce. Jurisdiction extends over five cabinet-level departments (including HHS) and several federal agencies.
- Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP): broad jurisdiction over health care, education, employment, and retirement policies and related agencies, including HHS.
- House Committee on Ways and Means: the chief tax-writing committee in the House, with jurisdiction over taxes, tariffs, and other revenue-raising measures; oversees social services programs including Medicare and Social Security
- Senate Committee on Finance: jurisdiction over taxation and other revenue measures; oversees health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program.
- House Senate Committees on Appropriations: Each chamber of Congress has an appropriations committee that is responsible for drafting bills every year to fund the US government and regulate government spending; the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittees write legislation that determines annual federal funding for HHS and the Departments of Education and Labor.
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Erica Froyd
Senior Director, Advocacy & Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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