Policy Corner: November 15, 2019

Senate Budget Committee Approves Bill to Reform Budget Process

The U.S. Senate Budget Committee approved the Bipartisan Congressional Budget Reform Act, S.2765, sponsored by Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) to fix and revamp the government’s budget process. The purpose of the bill is to provide a more orderly and deliberative budget process focused on long-term fiscal planning. This is the first bipartisan budget reform approved by the Senate Budget Committee since 1990. The proposal would, among other things, reorient the budget resolution to a two-year cycle to allow more time to develop and enforce the budget and create a new special reconciliation process that could be used only for reducing the deficit.

Prior to passing any appropriations bills, Congress must approve a budget resolution that provides a framework for overall spending limits. The budget resolution will then be provided to appropriations subcommittees responsible for spending bills for government programs under their jurisdiction. The House of Representatives and the Senate each draft their own resolution.

Congressional Neuroscience Caucus to Hold Hearing on Role of Science in Overcoming the Opioid Crisis

The Congressional Neuroscience Caucus, in collaboration with the American Brain Coalition, American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, and American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, is holding a Congressional Neuroscience Caucus briefing, “The Role of Science in Overcoming the Opioid Crisis,” Nov. 19 in the Rayburn Gold Room 2168 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This briefing will examine what science tells us about the intertwined problems of nonmedical use of prescription pain medicines, heroin use, and opioid overdose deaths in the United States.

CCD Long-Term Services and Supports Task Force Holds Briefing on Homecare Workers

The Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities’ (CCD) Long-Term Services and Supports Task Force and the National Domestic Workers Alliance held a Congressional briefing Nov. 1 on “The Hidden Crisis of Care in the U.S. – Addressing the Homecare Workforce Shortage.” The purpose was to call attention to the roles that homecare workers fill in assisting individuals with disabilities and older adults to live independently, remain at home, and participate actively in their communities. While the number of people who will need homecare is growing rapidly as the population of the United States ages, homecare job turnover is extremely high – at 40-60%. This high turnover rate harms the independence of people with disabilities and seniors, places strain on family caregivers, and is costly to employers.

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims Scheduled for Nov. 17

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims takes place Sunday, Nov. 17. The day is set aside to remember the millions of people killed and injured in road crashes; to pay tribute to the dedicated emergency responders, police, and medical professionals who treat traffic crash victims; and to remind the international community, government, and individual members of society of their responsibility to make roads safer.