Splitting party control over the White House and Congress may concern some, but this dynamic has worked well for the medtech industry in the past, according to Mark Leahey, president of the Medical Device Manufacturers Association.
In an interview in this week’s DeviceTalks Weekly Podcast, Leahey said the industry sees long-lasting benefits when both parties can agree.
“You’ve seen that with the MDUFA authorization, for example,” Leahey said. “That is usually something that garners over 400 votes in the in the House and 90 votes in the Senate.”
In contrast, the medical device tax included in the Affordable Care Act was passed by the Democratic majority without support of any Republicans.
“Ultimately it was, bipartisan support that had it repealed,” he said.
Control over the Senate still hinges on the Georgia run-off election. Whatever the outcome, Leahey said he hopes President Elect Joe Biden and legislative leaders start the new year with an eye toward working together.
“The country is probably tired of lurching back and forth,” he said. “So I think our hope is we have an opportunity here to work on issues of critical importance to [improve] patient care, promote innovation, and get us through this public health emergency.”
Leahey also said Biden’s recent experiences with healthcare – including the death of his eldest son, Beau, to cancer and his work in the Cancer Moonshot program at the end of the Obama administration – suggests he understands the value of the life sciences industry.
“We’re confident we can have a productive relationship working across the aisle,” Leahey said.
To hear the entire interview go here.