ACC President Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC, and HeartPAC Vice Chair Andrew R. Waxler, MD, FACC, met with several senators during this year's House Call on the Mall, an annual event organized by the GOP Doctors Caucus where medical specialty societies can make their voices heard and work together to shape the future of health policy.

Kramer and Waxler connected with more than 30 lawmakers throughout the day, including Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Mark Warner (D-VA). With the budget reconciliation package currently under consideration in the U.S. Senate, these meetings were crucial to communicate ACC's position on the proposed changes to Medicaid and the student loan program.

The ACC has continued to urge federal lawmakers to protect Medicaid access and oppose proposed caps on student loan borrowing for medical and dental students, signing onto a joint letter to Senate leadership requesting "key improvements that are necessary to avoid further strain on physician practices, safeguard access to medical education, and prevent potential coverage losses for vulnerable populations."

During a medical specialty meeting with the full caucus, Kramer highlighted the meaningful work ACC's NCDR is doing to leverage patient data to improve quality of care as well as other ACC Advocacy priorities like Medicare payment reform solutions and pathways to achieve value-based care.

Hundreds of cardiovascular clinicians will return to Capitol Hill this fall to participate in ACC Legislative Conference 2025. Join the ACC Advocacy team in advancing legislative solutions to shape cardiovascular care for the better from Oct. 5-7 in Washington, DC. Learn more and register.