January 3, 2008
The American Academy of Audiology’s (AAA) Capitol Hill Office hosted its first political fundraiser December 12 for Sen John “Jay” Rockefeller, IV (D-WV). Rockefeller serves as chairman of the Senate Finance Health Care Subcommittee, and is known for being a champion of health care issues, including children’s health care and access to quality health care for those in rural areas, issues that resonate deeply for audiologists. The Senate Finance Committee is the committee of jurisdiction over Medicare and other health care finance-related issues. AAA characterizes the senator as a legislator who has a great appreciation for the profession of audiology and a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing those living with hearing loss.
Representatives from a number of health care organizations were in attendance, and were anxious to hear from the senator about issues such as the SCHIP program and the proposed Medicare payment cuts. Despite a number of votes being held on the Senate floor that evening, Rockefeller was able to attend the event in between votes due to the office’s close proximity to the Capitol.
SOURCE: American Academy of Audiology
