The Committee to Protect Health Care ended its partnership with Waxman Strategies on December 31, 2025. This decision closed a collaboration that started in August 2024, during which Waxman Strategies received $193,000 for lobbying on health care issues, particularly Medicare and Medicaid. Fees escalated from $22,000 a quarter to $46,000, making the Committee one of Waxman’s major health care clients.
In the last quarter of 2025, Waxman Strategies reported a total of $432,500 in lobbying fees from 13 clients. The Committee ranked as the second-largest health care client, following Electrify America LLC. Other clients included Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and 340B Health.
With the end of its relationship with Waxman, the Committee did not hire another lobbying firm. Instead, it chose to focus on in-house lobbying, led by Dr. Rob Davidson. There was an increase in in-house spending, which rose from $30,000 to $40,000 per quarter. This shift suggests a strategy to rely more on internal resources.
The Committee, a 501(c)(4) organization with progressive views, aims to protect and expand Medicaid and Medicare. It faced significant challenges, notably the passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in 2025, which proposed substantial cuts to Medicaid and CHIP. Reports indicated that the cuts could reach $990 billion over ten years, with total reductions exceeding $1 trillion. The legislation faced fierce opposition from the Committee but was ultimately passed by a Republican-controlled Congress.
The Committee was active in congressional hearings, appearing 25 times in the past year. Notable discussions included budget priorities and child care programs by Rep. Virginia Foxx and nominations by Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Additionally, two key pieces of legislation aimed at health care reform—the SMART Prices Act and the Lowering Health Care Costs for Americans Act—are currently stuck in the Senate. Both bills, which align with the Committee’s goals, have not progressed.
Moving forward, the Committee’s shift to in-house lobbying reflects its focus on electoral strategy, especially with the upcoming midterm elections in 2026. It seems the organization is prioritizing grassroots advocacy over external lobbying efforts.
In social media discussions, there’s been significant backlash against the cuts to health care programs, emphasizing public concern over healthcare access. With the 2026 elections approaching, how these issues play out will likely shape future health care policy debates.
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