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August Recess Update: Building Relationships and Expanding Advocacy Opportunities

Published in Government Relations on August 31, 2026

As Congress works through the summer recess, VGM Government Relations has been actively engaged in securing meetings and strengthening relationships with legislators, candidates, congressional staff, and key stakeholders across the country. This summer, the team made a strategic effort to expand outreach to Democratic offices while continuing engagement with Republican lawmakers, recognizing the importance of building bipartisan support for DMEPOS priorities and ensuring policymakers from both parties understand the challenges facing providers and the patients they serve.

To date, approximately half of the meetings and events the team has been working to coordinate have resulted in either confirmed in-person meetings, virtual meetings, or staff-level engagements. While securing time with elected officials can often require persistence and multiple follow-ups, these opportunities are critical to advancing our advocacy priorities and strengthening relationships for future legislative efforts.

Confirmed Meetings and Engagements

The following meetings have been confirmed during the Summer/Fall period:

  • Rep. Brad Schneider (IL)
  • Sen. Tammy Duckworth (IL)
  • Rep. Carol Miller (WV)
  • Rob Sand (IA), Iowa State Auditor and candidate for Governor
  • Joe Mitchell (IA), candidate for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District
  • Lindsay James (IA), candidate for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District
  • Dave Muhlbauer (IA), candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Iowa
  • Rep. Ashley Hinson (IA), running for Iowa Senate
  • Rep. Horsford (NV)
  • Rep. Susie Lee (NV)
  • Josh Turek (IA), running for Iowa Senate

Staff-Level Meetings and Event Participation

In addition to meetings with elected officials and candidates, several important staff engagements have been secured:

  • Sen. John Fetterman's office (PA)
  • Rep. Yvette Clarke's office  (NY)
  • Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto's office (NV)

These conversations provide valuable opportunities to discuss priorities such as:

  • The DMEPOS Relief Act
  • The SOAR Act
  • The Choices for Increased Mobility Act
  • 2028 Competitive Bidding
  • Broader patient access and home-based care issues

Staff from several congressional offices have agreed to participate in upcoming meetings and conferences, including:

  • Sen. Maria Cantwell's staff (WA) attending the PAMES conference
  • Sen. Alan Armstrong’s staff (OK) attending the OMEPA conference

Industry Engagement and State Association Partnerships

In addition to congressional outreach, the VGM Government Relations team has remained actively engaged throughout the summer by participating in national, state, and industry events, including meetings and conferences hosted by AAHomecare, NCART, NAAOP, AOPA, and numerous state association conferences and legislative days across the country. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with providers, industry leaders, policymakers, and advocacy partners while staying informed on issues impacting the DMEPOS community.

Our strong partnerships with state associations have also played a critical role in expanding advocacy opportunities. By working together to coordinate meetings, identify local provider participants, and engage congressional offices through conferences, legislative days, and other events, we are strengthening relationships with policymakers, increasing provider engagement, and promoting a unified voice on issues affecting patient access to care.

Looking Ahead

While the progress made during the August recess has been encouraging, our outreach efforts are far from over. Building meaningful relationships with policymakers often requires persistence and multiple touchpoints, and many offices continue to evaluate scheduling opportunities for the fall. We will continue following up with congressional offices, candidates, and key staff throughout the remainder of the year.

Every conversation helps lay the groundwork for future advocacy success. As we move beyond the August recess and into the fall legislative season, VGM Government Relations will continue working to secure additional meetings, facilitate provider engagement opportunities, and ensure the voices of DMEPOS providers and the patients they serve remain front and center in policy discussions.

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