BREAKING – Rep. Guthrie Tapped To Lead Energy And Commerce Committee

Published in Government Relations on December 10, 2024

The House Republican Steering Committee recommended Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY) on Monday to be the next chairman of the Energy And Commerce Committee. The Energy And Commerce Committee has jurisdiction over a broad range of policy issues and federal departments, including healthcare, the Department Of Energy, the Food And Drug Administration, and more. Guthrie has sat on five of the panel’s six subcommittees and is chair of its health subcommittee.  

This is excellent news for the durable medical equipment (DME) industry as Rep. Guthrie has been a long-time advocate. His support is largely due to the relationship-building and educational efforts by KMESA and many Kentucky DME suppliers. Earlier this year, King Drug in Hartford, KY, hosted a meet-and-greet event with Rep. Guthrie. 

Attendees

Attendees included Steve Wiggens, Amy Willis, and Ryan Radcliff from King Drug; Rep. Brett Guthrie; Ike Isaacson from VGM; Jay Witter from AAHomecare; and Thad Connally, a former KY DME owner and advocate. 

“Rep. Guthrie has long been receptive and supportive of a range of DMEPOS issues,” said Adam Miller, Vice President Of Government Relations at VGM. “His appointment as the next chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee represents a unique opportunity for providers and stakeholders to work with a champion in Rep. Guthrie and his staff in the upcoming Congress. We have met with Rep. Guthrie and his staff on several occasions and will continue to meet with his office to further legislation that positively impacts providers.” 

We look forward to continuing our work with Rep. Guthrie and his staff in the 119th Congress. 

#VGM #ChampionsofChange #HME #PartofSomethingBigger

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