Wittman Recognized as Champion of Healthcare Innovation

WASHINGTON - Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) was recognized as a "Champion of Healthcare Innovation" by the Healthcare Leadership Council (HLC), the leading health industry association representing healthcare companies from all sectors of healthcare, during the council's annual Innovation Expo on Capitol Hill in June.

"Ensuring our healthcare providers have the most updated and effective tools and treatments is critical to improving the health of all Americans," said Rep. Wittman. "I believe in a better health care future for Virginians that provides a broad range of health care options while personalizing health care to meet individual financial circumstances by reducing premiums, deductibles, and overall cost. To meet this goal, we must promote innovation in our nation's healthcare system so we can advance the health and well-being of all Virginians and Americans."

"As America's healthcare industry stakeholders continually innovate to improve the lives of patients and enhance each function within the delivery of care, legislation and regulations that support the changing landscape are essential," said HLC President and CEO Maria Ghazal. "It is critical that today's healthcare leaders work with Members of Congress to find solutions that guarantee access to quality care and coverage, enhance our readiness for public health crises, strengthen the healthcare workforce, advance health equity, and further develop an interoperable, secure healthcare system. We are proud to honor Representative Wittman for investing time and energy in understanding the complexities and challenges facing healthcare and how the private sector is pushing the boundaries. His commitment exemplifies the synergy between public leadership and private sector innovation in advancing healthcare solutions."

Congressman Wittman has advanced the following pieces of legislation to develop innovative medical treatments and technologies and improve the nation's healthcare system:

• H.R.3537 - Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act: this bill became law last Congress and now provides funding for ALS research and treatments. It establishes the Public-Private Partnership for Neurodegenerative Diseases between the National Institutes of Health, the FDA, and an institution of higher education or nonprofit.

• H.R.7051 - Access to Prescription Digital Therapeutics Act: expands access for prescription digital therapeutics under Medicare and Medicaid.

Before his time in Congress, Rep. Wittman earned his master's degree in public health and spent over 26 years working for the Virginia Department of Public Health. He currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional Public Health Caucus.

###