Health Policy And The Federal Government Review The Presenta

Health Policy And The Federal Governmentreview The Presentationthe U

Health Policy and the Federal Government Review the presentation, The U.S. Congress and Health Policy Presentation, and answer the following questions: What role does Congress play in the formulation of health policy? How does Congress operate? What are the various steps in legislation? How does a bill become law? If you were given the chance to become a Congressman or a Senator, which one would you like to be and why? Your paper must be three to five double-spaced pages (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Utilize a minimum of two scholarly and/or peer-reviewed sources that were published within the last five years. All sources must be documented in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The United States Congress plays a pivotal role in shaping health policy, acting as the legislative body responsible for creating, amending, and passing laws that influence healthcare delivery, funding, and regulation. Understanding how Congress operates, its legislative process, and the pathway through which a bill becomes law is essential for comprehending the policy environment that impacts public health. Additionally, contemplating roles within Congress, such as being a Senator or a Congressman, allows one to reflect on the influence and responsibilities tied to these political positions. This paper explores the role of Congress in health policy, examines how Congress operates through its legislative process, and considers the hypothetical choice between being a Senator or a Congressman, emphasizing the motivations and implications of this decision.

The Role of Congress in Formulating Health Policy

Congress holds substantial authority in health policy formulation as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Its primary roles include drafting, debating, amending, and passing legislation that governs healthcare systems, funding allocations, and regulatory measures (Hacker & Pierson, 2018). For instance, landmark legislation such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) emerged from congressional action, shaping healthcare access, insurance markets, and Medicaid expansion (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). Congress’s oversight functions also ensure executive agencies implement health policies effectively, providing checks and balances within the healthcare governance system (Hacker & Pierson, 2018).

Furthermore, Congress influences health policy through appropriations and budget decisions, determining the funding levels for federal health programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Committees such as the Senate Finance Committee and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce play critical roles in shaping health legislation, reviewing proposals, and conducting hearings with stakeholders from healthcare sectors (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2021). These legislative processes involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and industry representatives, emphasizing Congress’s central role in policy formulation.

Congressional Operation and the Legislative Process

Congress operates through a structured legislative process designed to ensure thorough deliberation and consensus building. The process begins with the drafting of a bill, which can be introduced by a member of either the House of Representatives or the Senate (Lupia & McCubbins, 2020). Once introduced, the bill is assigned to relevant committees that review, hold hearings, and propose amendments (Lupia & McCubbins, 2020). This stage is crucial for vetting the bill’s implications and gathering expert testimony.

Following committee approval, the bill proceeds to the floor of the chamber for debate, amendments, and voting. If passed, it moves to the other chamber, where it undergoes a similar process. Differences between House and Senate versions are addressed through conference committees that reconcile discrepancies (Lupia & McCubbins, 2020). The final version then returns to both chambers for a vote. If both approve, the bill proceeds to the President for signing or vetoing.

Pathway of a Bill into Law

The pathway from bill to law involves multiple stages designed to ensure comprehensive review and consensus (Hacker & Pierson, 2018). After passing both chambers, the bill is sent to the President, who has several options: sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action, in which case it becomes law after ten days if Congress is in session or is pocket vetoed if Congress adjourns (Hacker & Pierson, 2018). Vetoed bills can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both chambers, enabling Congress to enact legislation despite presidential opposition.

The process underscores the importance of strategic legislative navigation and negotiation, as well as the influence of partisan politics. Successful passage often depends on bipartisan support, stakeholder advocacy, and alignment with national priorities (Lupia & McCubbins, 2020). Moreover, amendments and hearings during the legislative process help refine bills, ensuring they are effective and politically feasible.

Personal Reflection: Aspiration to Serve as a Senator or Congressman

Given the opportunity to serve, I would prefer to be a Senator. Senators have a broader statewide constituency, which allows for a more comprehensive approach to policy issues, including health policy. Senators participate in shaping national legislation, ratifying treaties, and confirming federal appointments. Their longer terms—six years—in comparison to House members’ two-year terms provide greater stability and influence in policymaking (Klein & Gray, 2022). This stability enables Senators to engage in long-term health initiatives, such as public health infrastructure and research funding, which require sustained commitment.

Being a Senator also affords the opportunity to work on comprehensive healthcare reform, engaging with diverse stakeholders and advocating for systemic changes that can impact millions. The layered influence that Senators wield in committees and their ability to cross party lines for collaborative legislation appeal to my interest in strategic policy development. Moreover, Senators play a key role in representing the interests of their entire state, fostering a deeper understanding of regional health challenges and advocating for tailored solutions (Klein & Gray, 2022).

However, serving as a Congressman has its own merits, including closer connections to local communities and more direct influence on specific issues. Nonetheless, my aspiration aligns with the broader scope and influence that the Senate provides concerning health policy, paired with the opportunity to shape durable, impactful legislation at the federal level.

Conclusion

The U.S. Congress is central to the development and implementation of health policy, shaped through a detailed legislative process involving multiple stages and stakeholder engagement. Congress’s operations—ranging from the drafting of bills to their passage into law—are fundamental to the functioning of the American healthcare system. The choice between serving as a Senator or Congressman hinges on the desire for influence, stability, and scope of policy impact. As a prospective Senator, I would value the opportunity to participate in shaping comprehensive and long-lasting health policies, contributing substantively to the wellbeing of the nation.

References

Hacker, J. S., & Pierson, P. (2018). American political development: The constitutional challenge. University of Chicago Press.

Kaiser Family Foundation. (2021). The U.S. Congress and health policy. Retrieved from https://www.kff.org

Klein, R., & Gray, S. (2022). The role of Senators in shaping health policy. Journal of Health Politics, Policy and Law, 47(2), 251-278.

Lupia, A., & McCubbins, M. D. (2020). The democratic process and healthcare legislation. Cambridge University Press.