Published: March 29, 2016

What to expect from Congress

With lawmakers having convened the second session of the 114th Congress in early January, questions remain regarding what’s in store for a potentially unpredictable 2016. While it may be too soon to determine who will win the White House, and if Republicans will retain their slim majority in the U.S. Senate, a few things are certain. Read on to learn more about what we know, what we don’t, and ways AAO-HNS Members can stay informed and get involved.


Lawmakers will be in their home districts more often this year. Consider scheduling an In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) meeting with your U.S. Representative and/or U.S. Senator(s).Lawmakers will be in their home districts more often this year. Consider scheduling an In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) meeting with your U.S. Representative and/or U.S. Senator(s).

With lawmakers having convened the second session of the 114th Congress in early January, questions remain regarding what’s in store for a potentially unpredictable 2016. While it may be too soon to determine who will win the White House, and if Republicans will retain their slim majority in the U.S. Senate, a few things are certain. Read on to learn more about what we know, what we don’t, and ways AAO-HNS Members can stay informed and get involved.

Things we know

  1. Because it is a presidential election year, federal lawmakers will return to their districts for more frequent, and longer, in-district work periods. As such, the 2016 legislative work-day calendar is extremely light.
  2. Earlier this year, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan (R-WI) told the physician community his focus for the second session is creating a strong Republican agenda, with particular emphasis on “big” policy items. Therefore, smaller “ancillary” issues may not receive much attention.
  3. The U.S. Senate has indicated its intent to focus on funding-related legislation.
  4. President Obama has stated he plans to pursue “audacious” executive action during his final year in office.

Things we don’t know

  1. Will the “honeymoon” between the new Speaker and the ultra-conservative faction of his caucus end? The Speaker’s unconventional ascent to leadership came with a condition of support from the entire House Republican Conference—an agreement that has (thus far) remained intact. However, as Speaker Ryan moves forward with an “updated” agenda, it remains uncertain whether the ultra-conservatives will remain supportive.
  2. How focused will Republicans remain this year on efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? With the first-ever full ACA repeal bill already having been delivered to, and vetoed by, the President, it’s hard to tell whether the ACA repeal will remain a central theme in Congress this year, or whether they will hold off on subsequent efforts until after the elections. GOP lawmakers have indicated they will begin work on an ACA “replacement” package.

Stay informed, get involved

  1. Given the compressed Capitol Hill work schedule, lawmakers will be in their home districts more often this year. Consider scheduling an In-district Grassroots Outreach (I-GO) meeting with your U.S. Representative and/or U.S. Senator(s). For more information, or assistance in scheduling a meeting, contact govtaffairs@entnet.org.
  2. A heightened election season offers the perfect opportunity to amplify our voice on Capitol Hill via ENT PAC, the political action committee of the AAO-HNS. ENT PAC supports Congressional incumbents and candidates who champion issues important to our specialty. Growing ENT PAC strengthens our visibility with policymakers. For more information, visit www.entpac.org.*
  3. Volunteer for PROJECT 535, a BOG-sponsored initiative designed to recruit a “key contact” for each U.S. Senate and House Congressional seat to help improve our outreach to federal legislators when the specialty’s issues are debated on Capitol Hill.
  4. Although 2016 may not be a legislative “rich” year, it’s still important to remain informed. AAO-HNS Members can learn more about legislative, political, and grassroots news by joining the ENT Advocacy Network. Or, consider following the AAO-HNS Legislative Advocacy Twitter account @AAOHNSGovtAffrs. Your participation is vital to the success of the specialty.

For more information about the 114th Congress and specific AAO-HNS legislative priorities, email govtaffairs@entnet.org or visit www.entnet.org/advocacy.

*Contributions to ENT PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Contributions are voluntary, and all Members of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery have the right to refuse to contribute without reprisal. Federal law prohibits ENT PAC from accepting contributions from foreign nationals. By law, if your contributions are made using a personal check or credit card, ENT PAC may use your contribution only to support candidates in federal elections. All corporate contributions to ENT PAC will be used for educational and administrative fees of ENT PAC, and other activities permissible under federal law. Federal law requires ENT PAC to use its best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and the name of the employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year.

 


More from April 2016 - Vol. 35, No. 03