Senator Jeanne Shaheen from New Hampshire is urging Senate leaders to hold a floor vote on a bipartisan bill aimed at capping insulin costs for those with private insurance. This move comes as lawmakers prepare to leave town until after the midterm elections.

In a statement, Shaheen expressed frustration with the current administration’s health care policies, which have led to rising costs for many American families. She emphasized that the INSULIN Act offers Congress a direct method to lower costs for millions of people. Shaheen, who plans to retire soon, is eager to pass this legislation by the end of the year. She has discussed the measure with the White House, and dialogue is ongoing according to a Democratic aide.

The legislation would cap insulin costs at $35 for people with commercial insurance, extending a similar cap already in place for Medicare recipients under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Additionally, a pilot program would be established in 10 states to limit insulin expenses for those without insurance.

Spearheaded by Shaheen and Senators Susan Collins, Raphael Warnock, and John Kennedy, the bill passed the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in July with a 17-5 vote. It has 28 co-sponsors from both parties, offering a strong chance of success if all Democrats vote in favor.

While a vote is unlikely this week, the measure could be added to a year-end spending bill or potentially tied to essential defense policy and spending legislation. In the House, a bipartisan version of the bill was recently introduced by Representatives Diana DeGette, Angie Craig, Kim Schrier, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Rob Bresnahan.

The outcome remains uncertain despite ongoing discussions about an insulin price cap, largely due to Republican resistance to government price-setting. HELP committee Chair Bill Cassidy opposes the legislation, citing existing community health centers that already offer discounted insulin, and criticizing the federal drug pricing program.

“President Trump campaigned on immediately lowering costs for the American people, yet he’s done just the opposite,” Shaheen remarked.

In related news, Pennsylvania has reported over 900 measles cases, the highest in the U.S. A Democratic super PAC has launched an ad campaign against Senator Susan Collins regarding Medicaid cuts, despite her opposition to the relevant legislation.

Additionally, Inventia Healthcare Limited has recalled over 13,000 bottles of chlorthalidone tablets for improper dissolution, and the Surgeon General nominee Nicole Saphier faces a confirmation vote after a delay.

Elsewhere, new SNAP benefit rules take effect, GLP-1 medications shift in focus, and food safety emerges as a political issue. A cheese recall is underway due to an E. coli outbreak.