Now that the midterm elections have wound down and the results are in, VGM Government Relations has taken inventory of the legislative allies that the HME industry has won and lost this week.
The association noted in a public statement that HME supporters who won their races in the House include Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Greg Walden (R-Ore.), Dave Loebsack (D-Iowa), and Peter Welch (D-Va). In the Senate, HME supporters include Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Joe Manchin (D- W.Va.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), and Kevin Cramer (R- N.D.).
The industry is also losing some allies. In the House, Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) will be leaving her position to serve as the Governor of South Dakota, while Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.) and Jon Duncan (R-Tenn.) will be retiring. In the Senate, Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) will be replaced by current Rep. Kevin Cramer.
With all the seat changes comes new opportunities for HME to engage with Congress. VGM reports it is already preparing to meet the new Representatives in Congress and congratulate those remaining. In the meantime, VGM recommends that the industry congratulate those who have won, thank those who have lost, and welcome the new representatives by inviting them to visit and meeting with their newly hired staff.