Letter from the CPC Chair Congressional leaders have dedicated the week of July 25-29 as "Health Week," in an effort to address health policy issues and move forward key pieces of legislation in the House and Senate. During this week, which coincides with ASCO’s Legislative Conference, Congressional leaders will be focusing on and debating a variety of health policy issues.
The timing of ASCO’s Legislative Conference on July 26 and 27 couldn’t be better. As Congress will be focused on addressing health-related issues, ASCO members will have the perfect opportunity to engage and discuss the MMA, quality, and research issues facing you and your practice. This is also a prime opportunity for us to promote the passage of House Resolution 261, which calls on CMS to extend the demonstration project beyond 2005.
The Legislative Conference includes a day of "Inside Washington" issue briefings, featuring commentary and perspective from key leadership. The following leaders have been
CONFIRMED to speak at the Conference:
- CMS Administrator Mark McClellan, MD, PhD
- Acting FDA Commissioner Lester Crawford, DVM, PhD
- NCI Director Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD
- Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Member of the House Subcommittee on Health of the Energy and Commerce Committee
- Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health of the Energy and Commerce Committee
This is a rare opportunity for all of us to hear from the people in Washington who directly influence healthcare policy. In addition, a reception on Capitol Hill the evening of July 26 will offer a further opportunity to network face-to-face with Members of Congress and their staff.
In order to open up dialogue prior to the Legislative Conference, ASCO ran an
advertisement in
Roll Call’s special “Health of Our Nation” issue.
Recognized as the leading “Inside the Beltway” publication targeting Members of Congress, Hill staffers, lobbyists, and interest groups,
Roll Call is the most natural and effective vehicle to raise awareness and thank those Members of Congress who have helped support quality cancer care and co-sponsored House Resolution 261.
The collective power of ASCO’s voice cannot be minimized. It is equally important, however, that your personal voice be heard as well, particularly with your home state Members of Congress.
We are extending our registration deadline so more of you can take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your elected representatives during Health Week. Please plan on joining your colleagues from across the nation to share your opinion with policymakers during this critical time.For more information or to register for the conference please contact ASCO’s Cancer Policy & Clinical Affairs Department at 703-519-1413 or
online.
News and Notes Conference Highlights
SAVE THE DATE
ASCO’s Legislative Conference
Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Avenue NW
Washington, DC
July 26-27, 2005
CONFIRMED Speakers for the Legislative Conference:
- Mark McClellan, MD, PhD, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Lester Crawford, DVM, PhD, Acting Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration
- Andrew C. von Eschenbach, MD, Director of the National Cancer Institute
- Rep. Ralph Hall (R-TX), Member of the House Subcommittee on Health of the Energy and Commerce Committee
- Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Health of the Energy and Commerce Committee
- Rep. Susan Molinari, Former Member of Congress from New York
Reception on Capitol Hill A reception on Capitol Hill the evening of July 26 will offer attendees an excellent opportunity to network with and talk to Members of Congress and their staff about cancer care issues.
The reception is being held at 5:00 pm in the historic Cannon Caucus Room in the Cannon House Office Building. ASCO is urging all members and others in the cancer community to attend.
