Nearly all the co-sponsors thus far of H.R. 4378 – the bill that would create a separate benefit category for complex rehab technology (CRT) – were re-elected last week, Don Clayback said in a bulletin to industry stakeholders.
“Our supporters include seven members of the Ways & Means Committee, three members of the Energy & Commerce Committee, and the chairs of the House Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus,” Clayback added.
Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) was the lone representative of the group to lose his seat in last week’s elections. Rep. Tom Latham (R-Iowa) defeated Boswell in a contest that, due to redistricting, pitted two House veterans against each other.
Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.) introduced the bill to the House in April and was among these House members winning re-election last week.
In his bulletin, Clayback urged complex rehab technology stakeholders to continue to educate members of Congress.
“Remember, getting a member to sign on is not a one-conversation activity,” he said. “The results to date have come from multiple conversations and meetings focused on educating the members and their staff as to what CRT is, who uses it, why it’s important, the access challenges that exist, and the details of the bill.
“Your investment of time will help gain support for H.R. 4378, plus the increased understanding of CRT will be of real benefit when other federal issues arise.”
For more information on the complex rehab technology benefit effort, visit access2crt.org.
