Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, is set to assume the chairmanship of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee in the upcoming congressional session. This transition follows the Republican Party's recent majority in the Senate, positioning Cassidy to lead the committee's initiatives on critical issues such as healthcare, education, labor, and pensions.

Cassidy, a physician by profession, has been a member of the HELP Committee since his election to the Senate in 2015. In 2023, he became the committee's ranking member, marking the first time since 1933 that a medical doctor held this leadership position. His medical background has significantly influenced his legislative priorities, particularly in areas like mental health reform, prescription drug pricing, and healthcare accessibility.

As chairman, Cassidy is expected to prioritize several key areas:

Education Reform: Cassidy has expressed a commitment to enhancing higher education policies, including the implementation of the College Transparency Act, which aims to provide detailed data on student outcomes such as graduate earnings and loan repayment rates.

Healthcare Initiatives: Drawing from his medical experience, Cassidy plans to modernize the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to improve research funding and healthcare delivery. He has also been vocal about addressing the rising costs of prescription drugs, including the 340B Drug Program, and ensuring patient protection from surprise medical billing.

Labor and Pensions: Cassidy's role will involve oversight of labor standards and pension plans, with a focus on safeguarding workers' rights and ensuring the sustainability of retirement systems.

Previously, Cassidy has criticized the 340B Drug Program. In 2023, while a member of the HELP committee, he began an investigation into 340B operations focusing on transparency for hospitals, health centers, and pharmacies. The committee's investigation is ongoing and it's unclear whether the investigation will expand under Cassidy's new leadership as committee chair. 

In contrast, Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the Senate’s second-ranking Republican and an important advocate for 340B providers, was elected to majority leader, the top Senate position, in the 119th Congress. 

340B Covered Entities should expect possible reform and changes to 340B under the new Trump administration and from pending 340B Drug Program bills in the Senate and House.