August 5, 2021
 BY JOHN BRESNAHAN, ANNA PALMER AND JAKE SHERMAN Senators have begun informally discussing whether they can get consent to finish the infrastructure bill as soon as Thursday or Saturday. The chamber would then begin debating and voting on the Democrats’ $3.5 trillion budget resolution this weekend — an attempt to salvage some of the August recess. This emerging plan would require the consent of every senator. But the Senate can move quickly if it wants to — and senators are clearly eager to get out of town. This is also a recognition that the bipartisan infrastructure bill is on track to pass. All of these talks are tentative and nothing has been agreed to as of now. The two parties would have to agree to consider a number of additional amendments. Punchbowl News confirmed these talks with seven sources involved in or aware of the negotiations. We will keep you posted on developments in our afternoon and evening editions. Subscribe to Punchbowl News Premium to get the Midday and PM editions. |
Presented by AstraZeneca
The 340B program is supposed to help vulnerable patients—but without strong safeguards, it’s siphoning away funds that could be used for free and charitable medicine. The 340B Rebate Model Pilot improves program integrity, preventing duplicate discounts and strengthening accountability. Urge HHS to implement the pilot today. Learn why it matters.
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Presented by AstraZeneca
The 340B program lacks transparency—making it hard to tell if it’s actually helping vulnerable patients. HHS can fix the problem by implementing the 340B Rebate Model Pilot, ensuring the program is transparent, compliant, and accountable. Learn more.