REBEKAH FRIES

In Q3 2024, Upstream USA's lobbying efforts have been largely focused on relationship upkeep/staying in touch with congressional offices (i.e. sharing updates about our programs). On a few occasions, we have asked congressional offices if there are any health centers in their district that would like to learn more about our training and technical assistance. Both of these include reaching out to Rep. Deborah Ross' office, Sen. Murray's Office, and Rep. Strickland's office.

In Q2 2024, Upstream USA's lobbying efforts have been largely focused on advocating for the Right to Contraception Act with various Senate offices. This included sending an email asking the Senators to vote "yes" on the bill. Additionally, Upstream did outreach to members on the House Armed Services Committee to support Rep. Escobar's amendment which would allow non-active duty TRICARE beneficiaries to obtain birth control with no copay. This advocacy was also done via email.

In Q1 2024, Upstream USA met with Sen. Carper's office to discuss potential areas of support for contraceptive access initiatives (though we have no bill number or title to reference, as we have did not align on a final strategy). We also met with Rep. Strickland and Blunt Rochester's office to discuss appropriations strategy, which Upstream will not be engaging in this year. Additionally, Upstream had expenses related to retaining a lobbyist consultant for state strategies related to contraceptive access. Lastly, we had a few follow up touchpoints with Sen. Schumer's office regarding his advocacy around the inclusion of contraceptive care quality measures in the Uniform Data System under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

In Q4 2023, Upstream USA met with various U.S. House of Rep. Offices to discuss our organization's Federal Policy agenda and programmatic work. We sought connections from the Congressional offices to their local health centers. Additionally, Upstream worked with Sen. Schumer to advocate for the inclusion of contraceptive care quality measures in Federal data systems (such as the Uniform Data System used by Federally Qualified Health Centers). Simultaneously, we advocated for these changes with the Health Resources and Services Administration.

In Q3 2023, Upstream USA lobbied in support of increased Title X funding to various Congressional offices. We also conducted outreach to Sen. Fetterman's office to offer a note of support of the Convenient Contraception Act (H.R. 4816/S. 2427). Additionally, Upstream met with Sen. Schumer in person to discuss various topics including increasing FY24 funding for Title X, discussing the timeline for a floor vote on the Right to Contraception Act, and generally about Upstream's programmatic work with health care organizations.

Upstream USA worked with Senate staff (Sen. Carper's office) in the drafting of legislative text that would expand contraceptive coverage under Medicare, discussing strategy about potential co-sponsors, and timing of introduction. This has not been introduced, nor does it have a title. We also talked to potential House offices about this bill to gauge whether they would be interested in introducing it as a bicameral bill, but have not worked on it directly with any specific House office.

In Q2 2023, Upstream USA lobbied in support of an appropriations request that Upstream requested to have included under the Labor, Health, and Human Services appropriations subcommittee in both the House and the Senate. This FY24 appropriations request would fund contraceptive care training and technical assistance in primary care settings (specifically Federally Qualified Health Centers) under the Bureau of Primary Health Care at HRSA at $50M. There is no bill number, as it was ultimately not included in the draft House bill that was released last week. Other activities include meeting with various Congressional offices in person and via Zoom to discuss our request, submission of appropriations requests to offices, as well as coordination and circulation of an e-Dear Colleague letter and Outside Witness Testimony group sign on letters. In parallel, Upstream encouraged Congressional offices to support an increase in Title X funding. Upstream USA also worked with Senate staff (Sen. Carper's office) by drafting legislative text for a standalone bill (not yet introduced, so no bill number available) that would authorize funding for contraceptive care training and technical assistance in primary care settings in the amount of $50M. Specific actions around this effort included strategy around introduction (discussing potential co-sponsors, timing of introduction, and revising legislative text). This has not yet been introduced.

In addition, Upstream USA worked with Senate staff in the drafting of legislative text that would expand contraceptive coverage under Medicare. This has not been introduced, nor does it have a title.

In Q1 2023, Upstream USA lobbied in support of an appropriations request that Upstream is requesting to have included under the Labor, Health, and Human Services appropriations subcommittee in both the House and the Senate. This FY24 appropriations request would fund contraceptive care training and technical assistance in primary care settings (specifically Federally Qualified Health Centers) under the Bureau of Primary Health Care at HRSA at $50M. No bill number is available at this time, as the budget has not been finalized or released, nor can it be referenced in past bills as it would be a new provision. Other activities include meeting with various Congressional offices in person and via Zoom to discuss our request, submission of appropriations requests to offices, as well as coordination and circulation of an e-Dear Colleague letter and Outside Witness Testimony group sign on letters. In parallel, Upstream encouraged Congressional offices to support an increase in Title X funding. Upstream USA also worked with Senate staff by drafting legislative text for a standalone bill (not yet introduced, so no bill number available) that would authorize funding for contraceptive care training and technical assistance in primary care settings in the amount of $50M. This effort included drafting text as well as receiving technical assistance from CMS and HHS.

Appropriations for contraceptive care training and technical assistance

Appropriations for contraceptive care training and technical assistance