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The U.S. Health and Human Services Department is revamping its policies to help protect thousands of babies born dependent on drugs, a reform triggered by a Reuters investigative report, the agency’s leader told a congressional committee on Tuesday. (Shiffman and Wilson, 3/15)

Senate Democrats are denouncing Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee for holding a hearing on abortion legislation while refusing to consider a Supreme Court nominee. “While the Republicans on that committee say they won’t take up the time to do their most important actual job, they were happy to spend their time this morning on their favorite hobby: do everything they can to turn back the clock on women’s access to healthcare,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). (Sullivan, 3/15)

A House panel is pressing ahead with a 10-year balanced budget plan that cuts federal health care programs and agency budgets even though tea partyers are rebelling in a setback for Speaker Paul Ryan. The Budget Committee vote on Wednesday would send the GOP fiscal plan to the full House, but it's looking increasingly likely that the blueprint may not pass. The fiscal blueprint released by Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price relies on eliminating health care subsidies and other coverage provided by Obama's health care law, makes sharp cuts to Medicaid, and reprises a plan devised by Ryan years ago that would transform Medicare into a voucher-like program for future retirees. (3/16)