NCPA Advocacy Center Update, January 7, 2017
Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), the only pharmacist in Congress, has been selected to serve on the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction over key pharmacy legislation including DIR fees, MAC transparency, and any willing pharmacy. Since his election to the U.S. House of Representatives NCPA has been lobbying for his appointment to the committee. In announcing the appointment this week, Speaker of the House Paul D. Ryan (R-WI) said, “Buddy’s insight will be extremely valuable to the committee as the only pharmacist in Congress. Since the day he became a member of Congress, he has wasted no time offering his unique health care expertise in hopes of creating a better system for all patients.” In addition to Carter, Reps. Ryan Costello (R-PA), Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Mimi Walters (R-CA) were appointed to the committee. Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR) also announced that Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), a physician by training, was named Chairman of the Health subcommittee, a position vacated by Rep. Joe Pitts (R-PA) following his retirement at the end of the 114th Congress.
