Bowling Green Today

Congressman Brett Guthrie, the Chairman of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health, recently questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on various issues during a sworn testimony before the Energy & Commerce’s Health Subcommittee.

Guthrie raised concerns about the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) on seniors, stating, "Recent analysis expects seniors are paying over 20% more on average for their monthly Medicare Part D premiums this year as a result of the IRA, with that increase reaching as high as 57% in some places like your home state of California."

He also inquired about the Department of Health and Human Services' analysis of the expected rise in Part D premiums and the potential impact on seniors with fixed budgets, asking, "Has your department done any analysis of just how high Part D premiums will rise as a result of the IRA and what the impact will be on seniors with fixed budgets?"

Additionally, Guthrie questioned Secretary Becerra on the ongoing issue of illicit fentanyl trafficking at the Southern border, highlighting the disparity between the significant amount seized and the lack of attention to fentanyl in the department's budget. He asked, "Can you take this action administratively?"

Furthermore, Guthrie pressed on the possibility of Congress granting the Department of Health and Human Services the authority to address illicit narcotics trafficking at the border, seeking Secretary Becerra's commitment to utilizing such authority if provided.

The exchange between Congressman Brett Guthrie and Secretary Xavier Becerra sheds light on the concerns regarding Medicare Part D premiums and the need for stronger actions to combat illicit drug trafficking at the Southern border.