Greetings!

Thank you for signing up for the IFFGD Advocacy Connection eNewsletter. We are looking forward to this opportunity to engage you in advocacy-related news and events. With this new platform, IFFGD is looking to educate and update community members on advocacy topics relevant to gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. It is vital for patients, families/friends, and professionals affected by GI illness to understand that voicing their concerns can make a difference. Lawmakers and government agencies rely on the stories and experiences of everyday Americans to guide them in important decision-making processes.

Be here. Be heard. Make a difference. We hope this new eNewsletter platform will inform and assist you as you advocate for yourself and/or loved ones.

Please contact me at mlombardi@iffgd.org, if you have any suggestions or would like to provide feedback on this eNewsletter.

Thank you,
Marissa Lombardi
Program Coordinator
Health Legislation

Medical Nutrition Equity Act
53 Cosponsors

Safe Step Act
126 Cosponsors

Safe Step Act
14 Cosponsors
IFFGD-Sponsored Legislation

Functional GI and Motility Disorder Research Enhancement Act
18 Cosponsors

Thank you to our recent cosponsors:
Representative Bobby L. Rush [D-IL-1]
Representative Tom O'Hallerhan [D-AZ-1]
Save the Date!
Join us for IFFGD's 2020 Advocacy Event on Capitol Hill!

The 2nd annual event will take place July 26-27, 2020.

Click here to find out more information and stay tuned to IFFGD eNewsletters for updates.

Policies and priorities related to healthcare, research, treatment, guidelines, and much more are continually changing. We will provide monthly updates on what is most relevant to the GI community.

  • The comprehensive spending package for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 includes the following health policy highlights and program reauthorizations:
  • Reauthorization of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) for 10 years.
  • Increases generic drug competition to lower the price of drugs.

  • The Supreme Court declined a motion to fast-track a challenge to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This is in response to a lower court ruling declaring the individual mandate of the ACA unconstitutional. Further action by the lower court or the Supreme Court is not likely in the near future.

  • Progress on surprise medical billing legislation continues to be stalled because of a dispute between House committees. Follow the link to find more information on the End Surprise Billing Act of 2019 (H.R.861).

  • Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Charles Grassley (R-IA), continues to push for action on drug pricing legislation.

  • The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), announced the appointment of Dr. Nakela Cook as its new Executive Director.

Keeping informed on the federal budget process is important for all of us as constituents. IFFGD works hard to stay informed on the appropriations process each year. We will keep you updated as the appropriations process continues for FY 2021. Each fiscal year (FY) runs from October 1 through September 30 of the following year.

  • For FY 2021, appropriations will begin in February once the administration’s budget proposal is issued. IFFGD is requesting the following as a part of our 2020 Legislative Agenda:
  • $44.7 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), an increase of $3 billion.
  • Continued support for Gulf War Illness research at the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

  • The FY 2020 budget was approved on December 20th. This included the following key spending highlights:
  • $95 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Health & Human Services, an increase of $4.4 billion above FY 2019.
  • $41.7 billion for the NIH, an increase of $2.6 billion above FY 2019.
  • $338 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, level-funded with FY 2019.
  • $800 million for the VA Medical and Prosthetic Research Program, an increase of $20 million above FY 2019.
  • $34 billion for the Defense Health Program, level-funded with FY 2019.
  • $5.77 billion including user fees and $3.16 billion in discretionary funding for the Food and Drug Administration, an increase of $91 million above FY 2019.
IFFGD's Washington Update

IFFGD is actively working in Washington to advocate on behalf of the gastrointestinal illness community. We will continually update you on professional events, written comment submissions, and other opportunities that provide IFFGD the ability to engage with Washington.

  • IFFGD President, Ceciel Rooker, visited 12 Congressional offices this week and is spending Thursday on NIH campus as an Ad Hoc Member of the NIDDK Advisory Council.

  • We are excited to announce that IFFGD President, Ceciel Rooker, has been invited to participate in a Working Group convened by the NIDDK to provide input during the development of an Institute-wide strategic plan to complement disease-specific planning efforts.

  • On December 30, 2019, Ms. Rooker submitted written comments to the FDA (Docket No. FDA-2019-D-4247) Patient-Focused Drug Development: Methods to Identify What is Important to Patients. We are thankful for the opportunity to comment on this draft guidance, written for industry, Food and Drug Administration staff and other stakeholders. This opportunity is part of a series of guidance documents encouraging industry and stakeholders to prioritize Patient-Focused Drug Development.
It is important for legislators to support the needs of the constituents they represent. Before advocating for policies and priorities important to you, ensure you are using your voice in the most effective way possible. Taking time to familiarize yourself with your Representative and Senators as well as the legislation you would like to discuss is a great first step. Click here for more tips!
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD)
414-964-1799 | iffgd@iffgd.org | www.iffgd.org
IFFGD is a nonprofit organization.
We rely on donor support to fund research and to provide reliable information and support to those affected by chronic gastrointestinal disorders