March 2003

Cabinet members attend NCLC

For the first time ever, two presidential cabinet members addressed the chiropractic profession at the American Chiropractic Association's (ACA) National Chiropractic Legislative Conference. The event, held in March in Washington, D.C., featured Secretary of Veterans' Affairs Anthony Principi and Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, both of whom made positive comments about the contributions doctors of chiropractic make to our nation's health care system.

Thompson's visit to ACA's congressional reception at NCLC was highlighted by the ideas he espoused about healthcare. According to Thompson, "It's wrong to wait for people to get sick, or so sick that they can't work and be productive." He called chiropractic a "smart investment" and "something we should be doing more of." Thompson pointed to prevention and exercise as ways of "changing the direction of health care in America," and he concluded by declaring, "If you have a problem, see your chiropractor!"

Principi discussed the makeup of the chiropractic advisory committee that is charged with developing recommendations for how the benefit will be provided. While the committee includes representatives with diverging opinions about chiropractic care, Principi explained to the attendees of NCLC that he is "not tied to either camp," and that his "interest lies solely in finding the best and most effective way to treat ill and injured vets."

Principi added that he would consider any recommendation from the chiropractic advisory committee – including direct access to chiropractic care. He further pleased the crowd by stating that he is glad the chiropractic profession has joined the Veterans Administration, and that, "Chiropractic care is a way for us to bind up the wounds of those who have done battle. Your healing powers are at the service of those Americans who have the greatest claims on those powers."

In addition to the appearances from Principi and Thompson, ACA also enjoyed appearances from Sen. Norm Coleman (R-MN); Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA); Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA); Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA); Rep. Chris Chocola (R-IN); and Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN).

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