GOP targets hospital cost crisis as Smith grills CEOs at Ways and Means

At a Ways and Means hearing, Rep. Jason Smith criticized hospital CEOs for profits and mergers and threatened to cut Medicare payments under a site-neutral policy, highlighting Republicans’ focus on rising healthcare costs even as Democrats warn about Medicaid cuts; the broader Capitol Hill round-up includes battles over pesticide labeling in the farm bill, Rep. Daniel Webster’s retirement, and ongoing GOP wrangling on FISA and the budget, all amid King Charles III’s visit to Congress.