New co-sponsors have signed on to HR 2619 since AARC PACT members made their visits early this month.
Original bill sponsor, John Lewis (D-GA) has been joined by these fellow Democrats: Bruce Braley (IA), Gene Green (TX), Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ) Ed Pastor (AZ), Mark Pocan (WI), Nick Rahall (WV), and Bennie Thompson (MS). In addition, Republican Tom Latham from Iowa has signed on, making this bill one with bi-partisan support.
“The fact that our bill is now bi-partisan is an important key to furthering our legislation in Congress.” said Frank Salvatore, chair of the Federal Government Affairs Committee.
More letters are needed along the following lines:
- thank you notes to members of the House who have signed on as co-sponsors.
- letters asking for their sponsorship support if they have not yet done so.
- letters to Senators asking them to consider supporting our legislation once it is introduced on the Senate side.
During the April 1 lobby day, respiratory therapists had 325 meetings with their House members and Senators.
“Our efforts must not stop when Hill Advocacy Day and Virtual Lobby Week come to an end,” said Salvatore. “We urge you to keep sending those emails, and enlist others who might not have sent in theirs. Congress must not forget the importance of the Medicare Respiratory Therapist Access Act.”
Go here and continue to send in your emails of support.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Steve Bowden is AARC’s Internet Coordinator. He has been designing and developing websites for the association since 1996.
