When Americans debate “single payer” (government-run) healthcare, the option is often framed in terms of unknowns, as though no such system has ever existed in the U.S. What is generally overlooked in these debates is the pre-existing large-scale, federally run health care system operating inside the United States: the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Since February 14, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been without Congressionally approved funding, leading to long waits at some airport security checkpoints. What is causing the funding gap? How long are actual wait times? What will break the logjam?

The debate over rising prescription drug prices has identified one possible cause: the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in setting prices.