Congress in Recess, But Healthcare Developments Loom

Key healthcare issues like affordability and personnel changes at HHS remain in focus despite congressional break.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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While Congress is on recess this week, negotiations continue on fiscal year 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the only federal agency currently in a shutdown. Despite the congressional break, the healthcare sector is anticipating various developments in the coming days, including President Trump's State of the Union address on February 24th, which is expected to focus on affordability, and the upcoming release of the administration's fiscal year 2027 budget request, which could be pushed to March. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a personnel shakeup, with various staff taking on new roles and others departing the agency altogether.

Why it matters

Healthcare affordability and policy continue to be major priorities for the Trump administration and Congress, even during congressional recesses. The upcoming State of the Union address and budget request are likely to provide further insight into the administration's healthcare agenda for the remainder of the year. Additionally, the personnel changes at HHS could signal a shift in the department's priorities and focus areas.

The details

While Congress is on recess this week, negotiations continue on fiscal year 2026 funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the only federal agency currently in a shutdown. Despite the congressional break, the healthcare sector is anticipating various developments in the coming days. President Trump will give his State of the Union address to Congress on February 24, 2026, and affordability has been a significant focus of this administration, so that topic is likely to be a key part of the speech. The Trump administration will also soon release its budget request for fiscal year 2027, which will outline its top priorities for the rest of this year and funding level requests for federal agencies. That document release could be pushed into March. Late last week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a personnel shakeup, with various staff taking on additional roles and others leaving the agency altogether, including HHS Deputy Secretary/Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Jim O'Neill.

  • President Trump will give his State of the Union address to Congress on February 24, 2026.
  • The Trump administration will soon release its budget request for fiscal year 2027, which could be pushed into March.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States.

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The federal department responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services.

Jim O'Neill

The former HHS Deputy Secretary and Acting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director who has left the agency.

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The takeaway

Despite the congressional recess, healthcare policy and affordability remain key priorities for the Trump administration. The upcoming State of the Union address and budget request, as well as the personnel changes at HHS, will provide further insight into the administration's healthcare agenda for the remainder of the year.