Utilize executive-branch powers to curb costs through regulation and enforcement.
Push agencies to use existing authority to curb costs without waiting for Congress. Focus on enforceable regulation and oversight named in this cause—price transparency enforcement, tighter review of premium growth, and stronger scrutiny of anti-competitive practices that inflate costs. Treat this as an implementation-first track so policy changes translate into lower bills and less debt.
Why this works
- Doesn’t rely on Congress; agencies can move faster within existing authority.
- For instance, CMS already started negotiating some Medicare drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act, projected to save seniors billions.
- Regulatory moves can target specific issues (like capping insulin co-pays for Medicare beneficiaries) relatively quickly.
Public Citizen
AdvocacyChampioning consumer rights and accountable government
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow Public Citizen uses funding
- Map the agencies, authorities, and near-term regulatory levers referenced in the cause.
- Draft specific guidance and rule asks; submit comments and briefings as decision windows open.
- Engage leadership and staff to prioritize enforcement and implementation.
- Track and respond to legal challenges and rollback risk over time.
- Close the loop with updates on what changed and what remains blocked.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Regulatory lever map + priority asks set
0–30 daysTarget agencies, requested actions, and a tracking plan are documented with owners.
- 2
Agency briefings and submissions underway
1–3 monthsMeetings, draft language, and formal inputs are delivered on schedule.
- 3
Guidance/rule/enforcement action lands
2–6 monthsAn actionable change occurs and implementation steps are published for stakeholders.
- 4
Defense + implementation tracking sustained
OngoingUpdates track enforcement, challenges, and follow-through.