PATH FORWARD FOR EXPIRED PROGRAMS — The deal to keep the government running kept health care agencies’ doors open, but it didn’t address a number of programs lawmakers hoped to extend. Despite averting a government shutdown, Congress let key health programs expire, including the SUPPORT Act tackling the opioid epidemic, the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief known as PEPFAR and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act. Lawmakers could try to reauthorize the programs in a potential spending deal ahead of a Nov. 17 deadline to fund the government, but their specific path forward isn’t yet apparent. It’s unclear what the immediate practical consequences will be. PEPFAR has become embroiled in the battle over abortion. PEPFAR money will continue since the government has remained funded, but there’s no clear way forward for reauthorization. New Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin (D-Md.) has said he’ll push for a five-year renewal, though some Republicans have wanted a one-year funding patch. George W. Bush has been trying to protect the program he helped craft in 2003 that’s been credited with saving 25 million lives. The program will continue to be funded, but supporters say that without a long-term commitment, groups fighting HIV and AIDS worldwide will struggle to hire staff and launch long-term projects. The SUPPORT Act, a major 2018 law, funded opioid use disorder prevention, recovery and treatment. The House Judiciary Committee advanced its SUPPORT Act reauthorization bill last week with an amendment to schedule the horse sedative known as tranq to Schedule III for three years as opposed to permanently — which the Energy and Commerce Committee’s version did. Funding for its programs will continue, but lawmakers must pass a reauthorization bill to make changes, like rescheduling tranq. Some Medicaid plan options allowing for residential treatment for substance use disorder also expired, leaving states searching for funding elsewhere. PAHPA, the more-than-16-year-old pandemic and emergency preparedness law, also saw most of its programs expire. The legislation historically has been bipartisan, but the Republican-controlled House advanced a smaller package than the Democratic-controlled Senate did, which set up a showdown between the two versions. The Senate’s version mandates that the government study long Covid and aims to address drug shortages, which Democrats in the House wanted to see in their chamber’s version. WELCOME TO TUESDAY PULSE. Digital health venture funding is continuing to fall, according to the latest data from Rock Health, establishing a “new normal.” Reach us with tips, feedback and news at bleonard@politico.com or ccirruzzo@politico.com. Follow along @_BenLeonard_ and @ChelseaCirruzzo. TODAY ON OUR PULSE CHECK PODCAST, host Kelly Hooper talks with Ben, who breaks down what will happen to health care agencies and programs now that a continuing resolution will keep the federal government open through Nov. 17.
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