The House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass a six-month stopgap government funding plan, averting a shutdown and funding the government through September 2025; but the Republican plan did not include any relief from the 2.8% MPFS cuts that went into effect January 1. 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the 2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payment adjustment last year, which included an average 2.8% reduction in physician payments. ASTRO joined other physician groups insisting that Congress address the physician cuts immediately. 

The package also fails to include prior authorization reform legislation and level funds key research agencies, such as the National Cancer Institute, representing a cut when inflation is considered. The Senate must now pass the continuing resolution (CR) prior the Friday, March 14 deadline, and at least seven Democrats will need to join a narrow Republican majority and overcome the 60-vote filibuster threshold.