Axios Pro and Quorum join together for a virtual conversation and Q&A on policy moves to watch during the upcoming lame duck period.
The event features a demo of the new partnership between Axios Pro and Quorum.
Why it matters: We dove into legislation that’s on the table, key lawmakers, and how Congress will prepare for its reshuffling ahead of the 119th session.
Who you are: If you work in government affairs, lobbying, PR & Comms or on the Hill, we covered your most pressing concerns and answered your biggest questions.
Anyone working in health care, energy or tech policy will find this event highly useful.
Key Insights: What’s on the Table in the Lame Duck
Health Care
Peter Sullivan highlighted that health care discussions hinge on government funding deadlines and bipartisan interest in certain policies.
PBM Reform: Both parties are interested in tackling pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), but competing proposals could slow progress.
Telehealth Flexibilities: Expiring pandemic-era telehealth rules will likely be addressed, though a short-term extension seems more likely than permanent changes.
Medicare Payment Reform: Another short-term patch for Medicare physician payments is expected, continuing the cycle of temporary fixes rather than comprehensive reform.
Tech Policy
Maria Curi shared that the outlook for major tech legislation is limited, but a few bills could see movement:
Kids Online Safety Act: Despite progress in both chambers, disagreements remain, making passage uncertain.
AI Legislation: Proposals like the Create AI Act and the Future of AI Innovation Act have potential but face significant hurdles in the House.
Privacy Legislation: Broader measures like the American Privacy Rights Act are stalled but remain a topic of discussion for the future.
Energy Policy
Nick Sobczyk emphasized that permitting reform is the most closely watched issue:
Manchin-Barrasso Bill: This bipartisan effort to streamline energy project approvals faces an uphill battle but could be included in a larger year-end omnibus package.
Other Considerations: Smaller initiatives like public lands legislation or energy provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) may also gain traction.
Audience Questions: Deep Dives into Policy and Process
The webinar included a lively Q&A session, offering insights into niche policy questions. For example:
R&D Tax Credit: Maria noted that this credit, tied to child tax credit negotiations, is unlikely to pass this year but will reemerge in 2025 tax debates.
AI and Data Centers: AI-related bills are beginning to address the environmental impact of data centers, a topic gaining traction on Capitol Hill.
Medicare Payment Cuts: Peter explained that while comprehensive reform is unlikely, partial fixes to physician payment cuts are a recurring lame duck priority.
How Quorum and Axios Pro Simplify the Process
With the Quorum-Axios Pro integration, users can:
Search for Key Topics: Axios articles are indexed alongside legislative data, allowing users to find all relevant documents for a particular issue, such as the Kids Online Safety Act.
Map Policy Movement: Quorum’s tools show where bills are in the legislative process, providing a full timeline and context for related discussions.
Access Comprehensive Resources: From press releases to Axios analysis, all relevant data is available in one place, saving time and improving decision-making.
Conclusion: Tools to Navigate Uncertainty
As the webinar demonstrated, the lame duck session is a time of high stakes and strategic opportunities. Whether you’re tracking PBM reform, AI legislation, or permitting changes, the combination of Axios Pro’s timely reporting and Quorum’s government affairs tools can keep you ahead of the curve.
Stay informed with Quorum and Axios Pro as you prepare for the legislative shifts ahead and the opportunities to influence policy before year-end.
