Greetings!

As we begin the 117th Congress, it is important to be aware of key information relevant to the day to day activities in Washington D.C. To be a good advocate, community members should seek every opportunity to learn more about how government agencies work and the gastrointestinal (GI) illness they advocate for. In this issue learn more about:

  • Language of Washington - There are many words that are unique to the workings of Washington D.C. Learn more about the lingo commonly used to help improve the impact of your advocacy efforts.

  • IFFGD Legislative Priorities - Learn more the foundational legislative priorities of IFFGD as we begin the next legislative session.

  • National Library of Medicine - The National Library of Medicine (NLM) houses scientific and medical information that is made readily available for access.

The 117th session of Congress has begun, and many Americans have new representation locally and in Washington D.C. Consider contacting your legislators to cultivate a relationship while sharing your advocacy concerns. Advocate training and education materials are available online to help answer questions that you have about advocating for yourself and others.

Be active. Be heard. Make a difference.

The following are expected to reintroduce in the 117th Congress:

Join us the week of March 21st, 2021 Register now to receive event materials.

This virtual event will take place March 5th - 10th, 2021.

This year, IFFGD commemorates 30 years of supporting those living with GI disorders. In 1991, IFFGD was founded by one person struggling with the challenges imposed by a chronic GI disorder. Thirty years later, many others from all walks of life have joined us.

We are excited to commemorate IFFGD’s 30th anniversary throughout the year with special programs including the anniversary edition of NES coming in the Fall, the launch of new websites, and social posts highlighting our history using the hashtag #30yrsIFFGD. 

To learn more about IFFGD’s 2021 plan watch this video message from our President, Ceciel Rooker. 
Join us the week of March 21, 2021!

Register now to ensure you will receive updates and information as this event draws closer. This year we are beginning the 117th Congress with a multiday advocacy program. Join us for the event to learn more about advocating to Congress. The education program this year provides information on various support options, including support groups, available to the digestive health community. 

There will be a Sunday education program to kick-off the week. This program will include information on finding support online, in person, and to offset financial burdens. The week following will include three short evening programs with information on advocate training, and support from various government agencies.

If you have any questions, please email advocacy@iffgd.org

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

December 30, 2020 - President Trump signed the omnibus spending measure which contains all 12 annual Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations bills, the $900 billion COVID-19 economic stimulus package, and other legislative provisions.

December 29, 2020 - The House passed legislation to increase economic stimulus payments for many Americans to $2,000, enhancing the $600 checks contained in the above-mentioned stimulus package, but the Senate has not taken up that legislation and it is unclear when or if it will.

Find more information on these budget and appropriation updates here.
The terms and phrases used daily in Washington D.C. can be unique to activity within Congress. A new advocate may find it difficult to understand the meaning behind this language. Even a seasoned advocate could benefit from ensuring they know as much of this lingo as possible.

Speaking the language and articulating it well can help improve the impact of your advocacy efforts.

Learn more about terms and definition commonly used in Washington D.C.

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

December 21, 2020 - Language from the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act is included in the year end 2021 appropriations package. This legislation will be phased in more gradually than what was proposed in the House passed bill. This is a positive inclusion as the coinsurance charge will be phased out by 2030. This version is going to gradually eliminate cost-sharing for Medicare beneficiaries when a polyp is found and removed during colorectal cancer screening tests. This legislation, H.R. 1570, was passed by the House on December 9, 2020.

December 11, 2020 - The FDA issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in people 16 years of age or older. This allows for distribution of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S.

December 9, 2020 - The Senate passed S. 3451, the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2020, which would expand the definition of major food allergen for purposes of certain food-labeling requirements to specifically include sesame. In addition, the Department of Health and Human Services would be required to report information related to food allergy research and data collection activities.

Find more information on these health policy updates here.
Each year, IFFGD sets forth its legislative priorities and works with legislators in Washington, D.C. to advance policies that impact the study and treatment of chronic GI diseases. These policies are aimed at expanding and improving GI disease research, patient access to care, and prevention and public awareness of GI disease.

As this session of Congress has just begun, specific legislation is still being established. IFFGD's legislative priorities website section will be updated with bills that are especially relevant to the GI community. Key priorities for IFFGD always include:
  • Medical Research
  • Patient Access to Treatments
  • Education and Awareness of GI Conditions
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This organization was founded in 1863 and has since been a center for collating and providing innovative information. The NLM is the world’s largest biomedical library, maintaining and providing a large expanse of print and electronic resources.

PubMed.gov is a reliable source for students, professionals, and all people to find scientific and medical information. PubMed makes it easy to navigate and locate factual and scientific information based on topic, journal, author, date published, and more. Learn more here.
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