Congressional Recess Starts, Kicking Off Constituent Outreach Sessions

By John Falardeau

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate are slated to head  home to their districts and states on July 26. The start of the traditional summer recess comes after, what both parties will tell you, was a less than productive session, leaving several issues unresolved. Nonetheless, in August, members will hold town hall forums, listening sessions and other public events geared toward gauging constituent views and interests.

Doctors of chiropractic are especially encouraged to seek out their federal legislators at these 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. Town hall meetings are free and open to the public. 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 H.R. 3654, the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act, in early July, please focus on meeting with your member of the House of Representatives.  Please use our prepared talking points and ask your representative to cosponsor H.R. 3654.  Simply put, the more cosponsors we have, the better the likelihood of our success.  Please leave the ACA Issue Brief on H.R. 3654 with your representative and also leave behind a copy of ACA’s piece on the cost effectiveness of chiropractic services.  Also leave behind this “Dear Colleague” piece for representatives.

• If you meet with a senator, urge them to cosponsor S. 30, the Chiropractic Health Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act. This bill would allow military retirees, National Guard personnel and reservists to access the chiropractic benefit through Tricare, the Defense Department health care delivery system. Access the S. 30 Issue Brief here and leave a copy with your senators.

• Arrive early. Town hall meetings are often very crowded, and you do not want to disturb the meeting after it has started. Also, you may have a better opportunity to ask your question and speak with your member of Congress after the event if you are seated near the front of the hall.

• Be polite and professional even if your senator, representative or other town hall attendees disagree with your position. Stick to the facts, even if others don’t.

• Follow up with the member of Congress 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 discussed.

• 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 community.