August Recess Provides Opportunity for DCs to Meet, Talk to Representatives on H.R. 539, Senators on S. 106
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives will start their summer break early, July 25, and the Senate is slated to head home to their states starting Aug. 2. The start of the traditional summer recess comes after what both parties will tell you was a tumultuous session. Nonetheless, through Labor Day, members will hold town hall forums, listening sessions and other public events, some in a virtual setting, most live, geared toward gauging constituent views and interests.
Doctors of chiropractic and chiropractic students are especially encouraged to seek out their federal legislators at these virtual or public town hall meetings because they are a great way to begin establishing a relationship, or strengthening an existing one, with your lawmaker’s office. Typically, the legislator will make some remarks about what is happening on Capitol Hill and specifically about what he or she has accomplished or is working on. In addition, there is usually time set aside for questions and answers.
If you’ve never attended a town hall meeting before—or even if you’re a seasoned pro—it might feel a bit intimidating. Here are several tips to help you navigate the political town halls:
- With the introduction of R. 539, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, and a Senate companion bill, S. 106 earlier this session, please focus on attending an in-person or virtual town hall meeting with your member of the House of Representatives and senators. Please use our prepared talking points and ask your representative to cosponsor H.R. 539 and your senator to cosponsor S. 106. Simply put, the more cosponsors we have, the better the likelihood of our success.
- If you’re representative is already a cosponsor, thanking them for their support is a good gesture. The same with your senators if they are already a cosponsor.
- Get to or sign-on to the in-person meeting early. In-person, town hall meetings or those using Zoom or some other virtual platform, are often very crowded, and you do not want to disturb the meeting after it has Also, you may have a better opportunity to ask your question and speak with your member of Congress after the event if you arrive to the meeting early.
- Be polite and professional even if your legislator or other town hall attendees disagree with your position. Stick to the facts, even if others don’t.
- Follow up with the representative or senators and his/her staff. Call or e-mail the office after the town hall meeting to offer additional resources or ask follow-up questions about the issues that were
- Above all, be visible. Let your legislators know that doctors of chiropractic and the services they provide are an important part of the healthcare delivery system in your
Find Where Your Representatives and Senators Will Be:
- S. House of Representatives member locater: http://www.house.gov/representatives/
- S. Senate member locater: https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact
Important tip: Once on your representative or senator’s webpage, sign up for email updates. This is often the best way to find out when virtual town hall meetings are taking place and how to participate.
Many offices release their recess schedule through their webpage, Facebook (see individual congressional website) or on X (formerly Twitter). Your local newspaper or other media outlet may also list virtual town hall schedules. Check your legislator’s webpage, linked above, for the most up-to- date schedule and information.
Information You Need to Have for a Successful Meeting
Talking Points on H.R. 539 and S. 106 (for your personal use)
Issue Brief on H.R. 539 and S. 106 (can be distributed to House or Senate members)
Cost Effectiveness of Chiropractic for Medicare Beneficiaries
Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act Home Page
IMPORTANT: If you can’t attend one of the public events, reach out to your representative’s and senators’ district office staff and request an in-person or virtual meeting. Again, representatives and senators are much more accessible during the summer recess than at any other time of the year. Please let ACA staff know, using the email address below, if you talk to your representative about H.R. 539 or your senators about S. 106 at a public forum or at their local office this summer. A detailed “how to” primer on setting up a congressional visit in your area can be found here.
For additional information, please contact the American Chiropractic Association’s Department of Public Policy and Advocacy: (703) 812-0228 or [email protected].
