Overturn the Medicare WISeR AI prior-authorization model (Wyden)
Senate Joint Resolution, S.J.Res. 198
What it did
S.J.Res. 198, sponsored by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), uses the Congressional Review Act to overturn the CMS Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) model. WISeR puts contractor-run artificial-intelligence prior authorization between traditional Medicare patients and about a dozen covered services in six states (Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington) for six years, starting January 2026.
The contractors are paid a share of what they deny. The Government Accountability Office ruled on May 12, 2026 that the model is a rule and could be overturned by this kind of resolution. A yes vote would have started Senate debate on the repeal.
A no vote kept the model in place without a vote on the merits.
The Senate blocked debate 46-50 on July 16, 2026, along party lines.
Result: Rejected 46-50
At the time of this vote: Six-year AI prior-authorization model over traditional Medicare in Arizona, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, and Washington, live since January 2026; the Government Accountability Office ruled on May 12, 2026 that it is a rule subject to congressional review
The humane vote: Yes (YEA)