The House and Senate were out last week for the five-week summer recess. In notable Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation news, Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) wrote to CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner on Wednesday, seeking an update on how many people are covered under the health law ahead of the second enrollment period that starts in November. In May, HHS reported a surge in sign-ups, which pushed ACA enrollments to over 8 million people. Republicans are skeptical of the figure and have suggested the total was inflated. Barrasso and Alexander asked CMS to provide updated information on how many people had signed up for coverage through the exchanges as of Aug. 15.