When colleagues are asked to support the ASCLS Political Action Committee (PAC), the first question is often: “Where is my money going?” It’s a fair question. The answer: every dollar is a strategic investment in protecting and advancing the laboratory profession.
Strategic Giving Over the Past Two Years
In the past 24 months, the PAC has contributed to a bipartisan group of lawmakers who hold key positions in healthcare policy, workforce development, and patient access. Here’s where the money went, and why:
- Dr. Neal Dunn (R-FL) $1,000 – Supports legislation expanding access to diagnostic and laboratory services.
- Deborah Ross (D-NC) $2,500 – Advocates for workforce development and STEM education in healthcare.
- Frank Pallone (D-NJ) $1,000 – Shapes Medicare reimbursement and national health policy through the Energy & Commerce Committee.
- Brett Guthrie (R-KY) $1,000 – Influences biomedical innovation, preparedness, and telehealth policy.
- Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) $5,000 – Ensures laboratory issues are represented in national legislative agendas.
- Don Bacon (R-NE) $1,500 – Fosters bipartisan healthcare initiatives and pragmatic policy solutions.
- Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) $2,500 – Leads Energy & Commerce Committee discussions shaping healthcare law.
- Scott Peters (D-CA) $1,000 – Champions biomedical research, innovation, and patient access.
Why This Strategy Matters
These donations are intentionally bipartisan. Healthcare policy is shaped on both sides of the aisle, and our profession is strongest when we have champions across the spectrum. Supporting Republicans and Democrats ensures continuity, influence, and relevance:
- Continuity – Our voice is heard no matter who holds the gavel.
- Influence – We maintain access to leadership and key committees.
- Relevance – Policymakers recognize laboratories as essential to patient care.
Real-World Impact
PAC-supported advocacy has already helped protect sustainable Medicare reimbursement rates for high-complexity testing, and contributed to bipartisan recognition of workforce shortages as a national health priority.
Looking Ahead
This fall, the PAC enters a new election and contribution cycle—a critical period when lawmakers and committees set healthcare priorities for the next two years. Our goal remains the same: invest strategically in lawmakers who shape the future of healthcare, ensure fair policies, and strengthen recognition of the laboratory workforce.
The Bottom Line
When you give to the PAC, you’re not just donating, you’re fueling advocacy, visibility, and impact. Your contribution becomes influential at the highest levels of government. Influence happens because professionals like you step up, contribute, and make our collective voice too strong to ignore. Your dollar is more than a donation: it’s our profession’s seat at the table.
Join us. Contribute to the PAC. Help shape the future of laboratory medicine.
Glenn George, DSc., MBA, FACSc, MLS(ASCP)CM
