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Lawmakers have spent months negotiating a package of bills that would clear the path for a major shift in the way the country regulates prescription drugs and medical devices — one meant to help spur innovation in health care. In exchange for simplifying the regulatory process, a top priority for Republicans, Democrats would secure additional funding for the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. (Kaplan, 11/10)

Donald Trump will be the nation’s next president, the shocking conclusion to a long and divisive campaign in which science was barely mentioned. Now, many people in the research community are contemplating what a Trump administration will mean for their work — and they don't like the outlook. “Trump will be the first anti-science president we have ever had,” Michael Lubell, director of public affairs for the American Physical Society, told Nature on Wednesday. “The consequences are going to be very, very severe.” (Kaplan, 11/9)

President-elect Donald Trump opens a door for Republicans to follow through on a longtime vow to repeal Obamacare. But it’s unclear exactly how Republicans would replace the law, and which GOP lawmakers might lead the key committees in the House to work on that effort. That’s because Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) is term-limited, so he will step down as Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman. Reps. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.) and former chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas) are all vying for the chairmanship. Shimkus currently sits on the health subcommittee. Walden chairs the communications subcommittee. Walden may be the favorite because he just handed the Republicans a better-than-expected win. (McIntire, 11/9)