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Issues for the new Congress

Pediatricians need to start promoting the AAP legislative agenda to the members of the 105th Congress, which starts work in late January and early February (see accompanying schedule). Issues to concentrate on during the next six months include health care for all children, tobacco regulation, Food and Drug Administration reform, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and funding for children's programs. AAP members should select those topics they are most comfortable with and visit, call or write their legislators. Newly elected members will need an orientation to our issues and concerns. Incumbents must be made aware of our priorities.

The pace of this Congress will be much slower than that of the 104th Congress, according to Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.). Two years ago, the 104th tried to pass the "Contract with America," containing major reforms, in the first 100 days.