Office Hours with Senator Richard Burr

In this discussion, we outlined how regulatory fragmentation and geopolitical competition across the U.S., EU, and China are reshaping market access, supply chains, and compliance exposure for multinationals.

Key takeaways

• Fragmented authority complicates market strategy - EU decision‑making split between Brussels and member states creates inconsistent regulatory environments requiring tailored approaches.
• Trade policy now serves industrial goals - Tariffs and procurement tools are increasingly used to drive domestic competitiveness and reshape global competition.
• U.S. policies alter global pricing dynamics - Drug pricing interventions are influencing launch timing and market participation decisions in Europe.
• Digital regulation expands into security controls - EU connectivity rules now integrate cybersecurity and supply chain requirements, elevating compliance risk for infrastructure deployment.
• Localization pressures redefine supply chains - Policy momentum favors regional production and resilience over global efficiency across key sectors.

To gain access to the recording of this conversation, reach out to Che Webb.

The discussion focused on the policy and regulatory developments most relevant to clients, including U.S.-China dynamics, FDA leadership changes, and the evolving cybersecurity landscape. A central theme was how organizations can use CISA guidance and practical cyber planning to strengthen resilience in a more uncertain operating environment.

Key takeaways

• CISA remains a key resource for organizations looking to strengthen cyber preparedness.
• Geopolitical volatility is increasing cyber risk and raising the stakes for business continuity planning.
• Leadership uncertainty at FDA and HHS may delay decisions that matter to regulated businesses.
• Now is the time to review recovery plans, backups, and critical third-party dependencies.
• Regular cyber training and employee awareness remain essential first-line defenses.

To gain access to the recording of this conversation, reach out to Che Webb.

This Office Hours session focused on near‑term policy and political developments in Washington, with particular attention to unresolved healthcare issues, fiscal pressures, and the compressed legislative window ahead of the midterm elections. Senator Burr and guests discussed what these dynamics mean for Congress, regulated industries, and organizations planning advocacy and risk mitigation strategies.  

Key takeaways

• The future of Affordable Care Act subsidies remains uncertain, with consensus leaning toward a short‑term or one‑year extension rather than a permanent solution.
• Healthcare policy is expected to be a central issue in the upcoming midterm elections, shaping legislative priorities and political messaging.
• A narrow legislative window early in the year increases pressure on Congress to act quickly before election‑year dynamics stall progress.
• Drug pricing and life sciences regulation, including market and reimbursement pressures, continue to be active policy areas with significant implications for industry stakeholders.
• Broader budget and fiscal negotiations, including the risk of funding disruptions, remain a recurring source of uncertainty for federal agencies and regulated sectors.

To gain access to the recording of this conversation, reach out to Che Webb.

FDA in Focus: 2025 review and 2026 outlook

In 2025, FDA concentrated on rebuilding and modernizing its internal infrastructure amid unprecedented organizational and leadership changes. Against the backdrop of a significant reduction in force, shifting regulatory philosophies, and evolving policy priorities, the Agency focused on strengthening food safety, advancing medical product innovation, and enhancing oversight across its programs.