Host
Julie Rovner KFF Health News
Read Julie’s stories. Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy podcast, “What the Health?” Julie, a recognized health policy expert, is the writer of the critically acclaimed Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z, now in its third edition.
Trump’s second presidency began with a bang at the Department of Health and Human Services, where the normal public communications blackout was expanded to an efficient shutdown of scientific work as health agencies were ordered to cancel meetings, travel and external publication efforts. It is unclear how long the regulation will remain in effect; Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Donald Trump to move the department. he is not going to appear before Senate committees for confirmation hearings until the top of the month.
Meanwhile, starting on his first day in office, the brand new president issued a series of executive orders aimed at reversing the Biden administration’s policies — but notably none that directly addressed abortion, which has traditionally been a spotlight of the White House each time the White House changes parties.
This week’s panelists include Julie Rovner of KFF Health News, Alice Miranda Ollstein of Politico, Rachel Roubein of The Washington Post and Rachel Cohrs Zhang of Stat.
Panelists
Alicja Miranda Ollstein Politician
Read Alice’s stories.
Rachel Roubein, Washington Post.
Read Rachel’s stories.
Rachel Cohrs Zhang Statistics News
Read Rachel’s stories.
Among the takeaways from this week’s episode:
- The Trump administration has put a decent squeeze on federal agencies this week, sowing uncertainty with mass cancellations of upcoming meetings and trips and a broad blackout of external communications. The appeals reached deep into the agency’s core functions, affecting, for instance, meetings to review federally funded research grant applications.
- Kennedy’s nomination hearings for secretary of Health and Human Services are scheduled for January 29 and 30. But questions remain about his appointment, including newer reports of conflicts of interest – similar to his financial involvement in ongoing legal proceedings with Merck & Co. related to the HPV vaccine.
- Trump issued a slew of executive orders this week. (It’s price noting that executive orders largely instruct federal agencies to start making changes, somewhat than constituting the change themselves). Interestingly, in relation to health, Trump’s executive orders called for the United States to be faraway from the World Health Organization; rescinded the Biden administration’s order to lower drug prices; and laid the groundwork for weakening health look after transgender people. It is price noting, nonetheless, that not one of the regulations directly referred to abortion.
Also this week, Rovner interviews Rodney Whitlock, a McDermott+ consultant and assistant professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. Whitlock, a former House and Senate staffer, provides background information on how Congress’ complex budget reconciliation process should work.
Additionally, as “bonus points,” panelists suggest articles they read this week about health policy that they think it’s best to read:
Julie Rovner: “CNN”With cases of bird flu on the rise, some sorts of pet food could also be dangerous for animals – and other people”Brendy Goodman.
Rachel Roubein: The Washington PostAnti-abortion advocates are in search of men who report their partners’ abortions” by Caroline Kitchener.
Rachel Cohrs Zhang: The Washington PostThe anti-fluoride revolt is winning in Florida”Fenita Nirappila.
Alicja Ollstein: Los Angeles TimesNow you can return home after fires, how will you clean up safely?”Karen Garcia and Tony Briscoe.
Also mentioned on this week’s podcast:
Texas TribuneLongtime Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards dies after battling brain cancer”, by Eleanor Klibanoff.
Credits
Francis Ying Sound Producer Emmarie Huetteman Editor
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