House Panel Sets Date for First 'Medicare for All' Hearing

The U.S House Rules Committee announced this week that it will hold the first congressional hearing on "Medicare for All" on April 30, reports Politico Pro . The session will concentrate on legislation authored by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), who has spearheaded House progressives' efforts to acquire hearings and drum up support for the single-payer bill. "It's a serious proposal that deserves serious consideration on Capitol Hill as we work toward universal coverage," said committee Chairman and bill co-sponsor Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.). House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) vowed in January to allow Medicare for All hearings in the rules and budget committees this year, although Democratic leaders have downplayed the likelihood of bringing the measure to the floor, due to ideological disagreement within the caucus over the path forward on healthcare.