WASHINGTON, D.C. – One cause for optimism in the new year follows from leadership election results for the 119th Congress held in recent weeks.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD), a long-time advocate for our industry and lead sponsor on HME priority legislation (including S. 1294) was chosen as Senate Majority Leader, and Brett Guthrie (R-KY) will be the next chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee.

These are two of the most influential posts on Capitol Hill, especially in regards to Federal healthcare finance issues, and they are being filled by highly effective legislators who have a demonstrated understanding of our policy priorities. Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID), who takes the reins as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, is also viewed as well-versed and supportive on HME policy issues.

Several highly capable legislators who demonstrated strong support for HME are not returning for the 119th Congress, including Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), a senior legislator on the Finance Committee, and Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), the outgoing Chair of Energy & Commerce, as well as Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), who consistently spoke passionately on HME issues during Energy & Commerce Committee meetings and mark-up sessions.

The new Administration has made a point of its goals to embrace innovation to modernize and improve efficiency in the Federal government. We look forward to working with incoming leadership at HHS and CMS to advance ePrescribing and other technologies that can benefit our industry, while also showing how strengthening access to HME is a cost-effective solution to help address rising medical spending.