Committee Insider

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions

GOP Pushing Malpractice Reform

Republicans see the debate over health care reform as their latest opportunity to reform the medical malpractice system — but they hold out little hope that this will occur.

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Short-Timer Whitehouse Has His Say

While Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is expected to be on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee only for a short time, he should have a major effect on health reform.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) chose Whitehouse to temporarily take the place of former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.),now secretary of State, on HELP because of his experience with health care policy at the state level.

Lobbyists Feel Kennedy’s Absence at Committee Helm

With the health care reform debate in full tilt, it’s fair to assume that the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is the key player in producing the final version of the Senate’s package.

Hard-Working Staffer Is Steady as She Goes

What sets Elizabeth Wroe apart from many other Senate aides is the way she approaches negotiations, a senior Democratic Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions staffer said.
Wroe, who serves as health counsel to Sen. Judd Gregg (R-N.H.), always makes clear up front what her boss needs to support a bill, the senior aide said.

Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Through the Ages

The following is a look back at the history of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

HELP Breaks for Recess Without Addressing Most Controversial Health Bill Provisions

Baucus Eyeing Tax Increases Outside Health Care System to Fund Overhaul

HELP Finishes Workforce Provisions; Long-Term Care Up Next

HELP Wades Into Workforce Provisions as Talks Continue on Employer Mandate

HELP Finishes Prevention Provisions, but Final Vote Delayed Until After Recess

HELP Democrats Reject GOP Attempts to Cut Preventive Funding

HELP Finishes Quality Provisions, but Work Could Last Longer Than Expected

HELP Stalls Over Comparative Effectiveness Amendment

GOP Aims to Scale Back Comparative Effectiveness Provisions as HELP Begins Work on Health Overhaul

Republicans Lining Up Amendments for HELP Health Overhaul Markup

Schumer Advocates for Many on Panel

Nov. 16, 12 a.m.

As Senate Majority Leader, Lyndon Johnson once said of the Joint Economic Committee, “It’s as useless as tits on a bull.” But as that panel’s chairman during the 110th Congress, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) seized the opportunity to elevate the traditionally low-profile post to the forefront of shaping policy. Read Full Article