POLICY BRIEFINGS

North Carolina Democratic Candidate Withdraws Concession Amidst Allegations of Election Fraud


The North Carolina State Board of Elections has voted to hold an evidentiary hearing about claims of fraudulent ballot activities in the state’s 9th Congressional District. The bipartisan, unanimous decision further delays certification of the election in which Republican Mark Harris beat Democrat Dan McCready by just over 900 votes. Voters have come forward claiming that their absentee ballots were collected illegally, and statistical evidence shows a higher rate of mail-in ballots were never returned from two heavily African American counties in the 9th CD. Two people also have claimed to have been paid by a GOP operative to collect the ballots.


Azar Selects New Drug Czar


John O’Brien has been picked by HHS Secretary Alex Azar to serve as the department’s drug czar. In this capacity, O’Brien will lead the department’s efforts to lower drug prices. He replaces Daniel Best, former secretary for drug pricing reform, who passed away earlier this year. O’Brien has held multiple positions within HHS, having worked as Advisor to the Secretary for Health Reform and Drug Pricing and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health Policy. He was previously the Vice President of Public Policy for CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. 


Upcoming Congressional Hearings and Meetings


House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing “Implementing the 21st Century Cures Act: An Update from the Office of the National Coordinator;” 10:15 a.m., 2322 Rayburn Bldg.; December 11

House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing “Examining the Availability of SAFE Kits at Hospitals in the United States;” 10:15 a.m., 2322 Rayburn Bldg.; December 12

House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations and Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules joint hearing “Exploring Alternatives to Fetal Tissue Research;” 10:00 a.m., 2154 Rayburn Bldg.; December 13 



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