SAMDT 1690 — To create a point of order against legislation that would increase drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare.

AMENDS

HCONRES 14 — Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

RESOLVING DIFFERENCES

AMENDMENT PROGRESS

STEP 3 OF 3

Proposed

Considered

Disposed

Proposed
Considered
Disposed

DISPOSITION

FAILED

APR 5, 2025

“Amendment SA 1690 ruled out of order by the chair.”

what this changes

This amendment tried to create a new procedural rule in the Senate to block any future legislation that would increase the cost of prescription drugs for seniors or people with disabilities on Medicare. It was rejected, so this specific protection was not added to the government's budget blueprint.

WHY IT MATTERS

If it had been adopted, this rule would have made it much more difficult for Congress to pass any changes to healthcare or taxes that resulted in higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare.

WHO IS AFFECTED

This primarily concerns seniors and Americans with disabilities who rely on Medicare Part D or other drug coverage programs.

AMENDS

HCONRES 14RESOLVING DIFFERENCES

Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2025 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2026 through 2034.

OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THIS BILL

KEY POINTS

low

Medicare Cost Protection

The amendment specifically aimed to prevent price hikes for vulnerable populations who rely on government health insurance.

low

New Procedural Hurdle

It sought to create a 'point of order,' which is a tool used by Senators to stop legislation that violates agreed-upon budget rules.

low

Budgetary Ruling

By being ruled 'out of order,' the amendment was deemed to not comply with the strict rules governing what can be included in a budget resolution.

GLOSSARY

Point of Order: A formal objection raised by a member of Congress that a rule is being violated, which can stop a bill from moving forward unless a supermajority votes to bypass it.
Medicare: The federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, as well as certain younger people with disabilities.

Official sources

SAMDT 1690 on Congress.gov

This analysis used: Amendment purpose · Latest action · Amended bill: summary

ACTION TIMELINE

8 EVENTS

APR 5, 25

Amendment SA 1690 ruled out of order by the chair.

FLOOR

APR 5, 25

Motion to waive all applicable budgetary discipline with respect to amendment SA 1690 rejected in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 49 - 50. Record Vote Number: 185.

FLOOR

APR 5, 25

Point of order that the amendment violates section 305(b)(2) of the CBA raised in Senate with respect to amendment SA 1690.

FLOOR

APR 5, 25

Amendment SA 1690 proposed by Senator Cortez Masto to Amendment SA 1717. (consideration: CR S2355-2356) To create a point of order against legislation that would increase drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare.

FLOOR

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To create a point of order against legislation that would increase drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare.

AMENDS

SUMMARY

KEY POINTS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

AMENDMENT INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

To create a point of order against legislation that would increase drug costs for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare.

AMENDS

AMENDMENT PROGRESS