Title: Key Senate and House Committees - AOTA
Headings: Key Senate and House Committees
Key Senate and House Committees
Content: Key Senate and House Committees - AOTA
Key Senate and House Committees
These key committees deal with legislative issues important for occupational therapy and the clients we serve. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee
This committee has broad jurisdiction over our country’s health care, education, labor and retirement policies, and public welfare. Much of the legislation that affects occupational therapy comes out of this Senate committee. Legislative pertaining to aging, equal employment opportunity, individuals with disabilities, occupational safety and health, and public health goes through the HELP committee. Specific legislation under this committee’s jurisdiction affecting occupational therapy includes the Public Health Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), and Higher Education Act (HEA), along with current legislation related to improving the mental health system. The committee also has a strong focus on workforce issues in health care reform. Senate Finance Committee
This committee, among various other subject matter, oversees health programs under the Social Security Act, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and other health and human services programs financed by a specific tax or trust fund, all of which impacts occupational therapy. This committee has sole or shared jurisdiction over the activities of numerous agencies and offices, including the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS), which includes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and administration for Children and Families, and the Social Security Administration. House Ways and Means Committee
This committee has jurisdiction very similar to that of the Senate Finance Committee. It is considered one of the most influential committees in the Congress because of its power to tax.