Biocom California Hosts Meet & Greets with Members of Congress

Capitalizing on Congress fully reopening this year, Biocom California resumed in-person events in our nation’s capital this month and hosted two meet and greet events on February 1.
 
Our California Freshmen Meet & Greet welcomed new Members of the California congressional delegation and was hosted in cooperation with California Life Sciences. Biocom California’s President & CEO Joe Panetta introduced the event, which had over 80 attendees, and highlighted our industry’s accomplishments.
 
Reps. David Valadao (R-22) and Scott Peters (D-50) both offered welcome remarks showing support for our industry and encouraging new Members to also be life sciences champions. Rep. Valadao has been serving on the Appropriations Committee and has ensured strong funding for the Food & Drug Administration. Rep. Peters’ role on the Energy & Commerce Committee has been instrumental in mitigating drug pricing legislation, among others.
 
Freshmen Kevin Mullin (D-15) and Kevin Kiley (R-3) expressed great interest in the work of our industry and willingness to learn more and be supportive. Rep. Mullin serves on the Science and Technology Committee while Rep. Kiley sits on the Judiciary Committee and, of great importance to our industry, the Subcommittee on Intellectual Property.
 
Following the Freshmen Meet & Greet, Biocom California co-hosted a Meet & Greet Roundtable for Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-23), with Johnson & Johnson. The event was hosted at Johnson & Johnson’s Washington DC office and was also at full capacity.
 
Joe Panetta and Meghan Drenan Stone of J&J welcomed the Congressman, who had been recently appointed to the Energy & Commerce Committee, which oversees most healthcare-related policies in the House of Representatives. The roundtable was moderated by Joe Panetta.
 
Rep. Obernolte shared his priorities on the committee, including supporting innovation, leveraging the role of technology, and being a lead expert on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Member companies discussed the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) reauthorization, 40th anniversary of the Orphan Drug Act, implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act and 340B reform.