ADVOCACY SPOTLIGHT


Q&A With the Lead Sponsor of H.R. 4350 Representative Larson discusses the ASC Quality and Access Act and the ASC model INTERVIEWED BY STEVEN SELDE


Congressman John B. Lar- son


represents Connecti-


cut’s 1st congressional district in the US House of Representatives. He is


serving his 11th term in Congress and, previously, served on the East Hartford Board of Education, the East Hartford Town Council and in the Connecticut State Senate, rising to senate president pro tempore. He is the lead sponsor of H.R. 4350, the ASC Quality and Access Act, and serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Social Security in the House Committee on Ways and Means.


Q You have been a supporter of the ASC Quality and Access


Act since its initial introduction in the 111th Congress as the lead Democratic cosponsor and now as the bill sponsor. What do you find compelling about the ASC service model? John B. Larson (JBL): We have a responsibility to today’s seniors and future generations to strengthen Medi- care. The ASC Quality and Access Act would do that by increasing transpar- ency from the federal government to beneficiaries and providers. The bill would also take commonsense steps toward ensuring that our seniors can continue to access services in ASCs, which are a high-value setting provid- ing high-quality care at a lower cost.


Q What factors do you consider when analyzing legislation?


JBL: Protecting and enhancing Social Security and Medicare are major pri- orities of mine. These are earned ben- efits that touch the lives of all Ameri- cans. I am also working on legislation that shores up our nation’s infrastruc-


24 ASC FOCUS APRIL 2020 | ascfocus.org


ture while promoting the sustainability of our planet. On these issues and oth- ers, I am focused on policies that will have a positive impact on the people of the First District and the nation as a whole.


Q From your years serving in the House, what are the key


aspects to working across the aisle? What are your goals for this session of Congress? JBL: I am proud to have found com- mon ground with my Republican col- leagues throughout my years working in the Connecticut State Senate and here in the House. Getting to the heart of the issue has been the key to bring- ing meaningful and lasting solutions to address the concerns of the people of Connecticut. Like I have championed the ASC


Quality and Access Act, I have been leading the charge to protect and enhance Social Security. My bill, the Social Security 2100 Act makes


Social Security sustainably solvent, while also increasing the benefits that so many Americans rely on and have earned. The ASC Quality and Access Act was passed out of Committee, and the Social Security 2100 Act has had six hearings this Congress.


Q How much of an impact do constituents have on


the political process? How would you encourage them to get more involved? JBL: Constituents’ voices drive my work and that of my colleagues. Vot- ing should not be taken for granted and speaks volumes at local, state and federal levels. I encourage every- one to reach out to their representa- tives and share their personal and professional experiences. Elections have consequences.


Q What opportunities lie ahead of the 116th Congress?


JBL: Congress needs to continue its work to make healthcare more afford- able for patients and families. The House has passed more than 400 bills to help the American people, includ- ing 275 bipartisan bills. The Senate needs to start taking up these vital pieces of legislation. In the House, we have made progress by pass- ing legislation to lower prescription drug prices; add dental, hearing and vision coverage to Medicare; pro- tect coverage of pre-existing con- ditions; implement universal back- ground checks and other gun violence prevention measures; and require that the US rejoin the climate change Paris Accord. Action in all of these areas will strengthen our communities in Connecticut and across the country.


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