September 27, 2007

Pictured (left to right): Rep.Mike Ross, Paul Pessis, Patrick Feeney, Alison Grimes, Cheryl Kreider Carey, Rep. Jason Altmir

WASHINGTON, DC—Under the backdrop of a spectacular evening sunset in the shadow of the Capitol dome, American Academy of Audiology (AAA) President Alison Grimes, AuD, cut the ribbon to officially open the Academy’s newly acquired Capitol Hill office located at 312 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, Washington, DC. Four members of Congress, Representatives Richard Neal (D-Mass), Mike Ross (D-Ark), Jim McGovern (D-Mass), and Jason Altmire (D-Pa) were on hand for the special occasion held Tuesday, September 18.

“This is a monumental event for both our membership and the patients we serve,” said Grimes. “We are proud to be taking a more active role in both the political process as well as the community of Capitol Hill, and it is imperative that we help Congress understand the important part we play in health care delivery.”

Rep. Neal spoke about his own personal experience with hearing loss. Rep. Ross, chief sponsor of the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act (HR 1665), offered congratulatory remarks and updated the crowd on the growing list of cosponsors (56) that now support the bill.

The Academy intends to utilize its close proximity to the Hill to make the public more aware of their public policy initiatives, including the Medicare Hearing Health Care Enhancement Act, as referenced by Rep. Ross. The legislation is endorsed by the National Association of the Deaf (www.nad.org), the Hearing Loss Association of America (www.hearingloss.org), the American Tinnitus Association (www.ata.org), and the American Association of People with Disabilities (www.aapd-dc.org). 

“We are working to have Congress better understand the health care needs of patients as they approach their later years and require more access to quality care,” says Grimes. The legislation is awaiting Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) to introduce the Senate companion bill in the near future. Having a specific understanding of the health care delivery system, Senator Johnson is resolute in again leading the introduction of this important legislation in the Senate.

For more information, visit www.audiology.org.