What’s Happening in DC Today?
April 21, 2023
All eyes are on the U.S. Supreme Court Friday as it may rule today on the fate of the FDA’s approval of the drug mifepristone, which, when used alongside misoprostol, is the most common method of abortion in the United States.
As previously reported by The Well News, the underlying case was brought by anti-abortion rights activists in Texas who argued that the FDA erred in its initial approval of the drug 20 years ago.
A judge in Texas agreed with the plaintiffs and concluded that the drug’s approval should be revoked. On appeal, the 5th Circuit subsequently reinstated approval but blocked regulatory actions by the agency that had made it more accessible to patients.
Originally due to expire on Wednesday night, the stay was extended to 11:59 p.m. Friday.
The American Medical Association has said any revocation would cause “profound and irreparable harm to patients across the country.”
White House
At the White House, President Joe Biden will deliver remarks during a ceremony in the Rose Garden and unveil new environmental justice initiatives. He is also expected to announce the establishment of an Office of Environmental Justice within the White House.
He will then travel to Camp David, where he will remain for the weekend.
Treasury
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will preside over a meeting of the Financial Stability Oversight Council meeting, a panel created by the Dodd-Frank Act to provide comprehensive oversight over the stability of the U.S. financial system.
The panel’s charge is to identify threats to the economy, promote market discipline and respond to any emerging risks.
Capitol Hill
This being Friday, Capitol Hill will be largely quiet, but for the swarms of tourists.
The lone House hearing today is a remote session of the House Ways and Means Committee, which is convening in Georgia to discuss the economy.
The Senate is also quiet today. However, Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John Boozman, R-Ark., will be in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they will hold a bipartisan session with farmers, producers, conservation groups, and local business owners to discuss their concerns and priorities regarding the upcoming farm bill.
Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., is also hosting a farm bill discussion in the North Star State Friday. The session is being held at the Oliver Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota.
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