Spring 2021 Report
June 11, 2021
In just the last two months, UROPAC has participated in meetings with 27 bipartisan members of Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), as well as Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) –– the top two leaders on the House committee charged with developing most health care policies (Energy & Commerce).
The contributions UROPAC receives from urologists across the country allows the PAC to disburse sizeable campaign contributions to those lawmakers with the most influence over legislation impacting our specialty.
Left: AACU Industry Relations Chair, Dr. Peter Knapp, meets with Rep. Larry Bucshon, M.D. (R-IN) on June 8 in Indianapolis. Right: AACU Federal Affairs Manager, Yehuda Sugarman, joins others from the physician advocacy community in a Zoom meeting with House Energy & Commerce Committee Chair, Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), on May 25.
In 2021, the issues UROPAC is raising with lawmakers include continued coverage and reimbursement for telehealth services, reducing the burden of prior authorization, addressing physician workforce shortages, enhancing access to prostate cancer screening, and opposing unsafe scope of practice expansions.
Last month, UROPAC hosted a virtual fundraiser, in coordination with the broader physician advocacy community, for Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), the only senator who serves on both of the two senate committees with jurisdiction over health care issues (HELP Health & Finance Health). The event generated more than $30,000 for her campaign and raised AACU's profile substantially with the powerful senator.
UROPAC will continue to flex its muscle in the second half of 2021 by contributing to the campaigns of congressional leaders, key committee chairs and physician legislators. Our goal is to support 40 bipartisan candidates in total this year, from both the House and Senate, who have staunchly supported our advocacy priorities, or are in a position to do so.
Remember, UROPAC's ability to effectively advocate for a pro-Urology agenda on Capitol Hill depends on our members. Support Urology's first PAC by visting our Membership Page or contributing now.
