The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has advanced legislation to lower prescription drug costs, protect patients and local independent pharmacies from predatory pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) practices, strengthen congressional oversight of Washington, D.C.’s taxing authority, and improve the efficiency of federal government operations.

The Pharmacists Fight Back in Federal Employee Health Benefit Plans Act was introduced by Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA). The bipartisan bill sets new requirements for pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) participating in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. It requires PBMs to fairly reimburse pharmacies and apply manufacturer rebates to reduce beneficiaries’ prescription drug costs. The bill also prohibits PBMs from steering patients to affiliated pharmacies and establishes penalties for noncompliance.

In a press release, the Oversight Committee quoted Chairman James Comer (R-KY), who said, “Americans are paying more for lifesaving medications while PBMs exploit their control over the prescription drug market for their own financial gain. The bipartisan Pharmacists Fight Back Act reins in predatory PBM practices, increases transparency, protects patients’ freedom to choose their pharmacy, and holds PBMs accountable when they break the rules.” 

Chairman Comer also introduced the D.C. Taxing Authority Review Act; the bill requires congressional approval of any District of Columbia legislation that imposes or increases a tax or fee. Such legislation would not take effect unless Congress passes a joint resolution of approval within 60 days after it is transmitted to Congress. The bill also establishes expedited procedures for congressional consideration.

Representative Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced the Restoring Integrity and Efficiency to Inspector General Oversight Act of 2025. The bill abolishes the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE) one year after enactment and transfers certain government-wide inspector general oversight responsibilities to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). It also directs the OMB Director to develop inspection standards for inspector general offices, requires the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers to maintain professional training academies for the inspector general workforce, and places the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee within the Executive Branch.

“Maybe CIGIE was born of good intentions, but it has operated and come to be recognized clearly as a weaponized government entity,” said Representative Higgins. “Now within CIGIE exists what’s called an Integrity Committee.”

The Comment Integrity and Management Act was also introduced by Representative Higgins. The bill intends to improve the management of electronic comments submitted during the federal rulemaking process. It requires agencies to verify that electronic comments were submitted by humans and to publicly disclose their policies for handling computer-generated and mass comments.