Everyday Americans Join Hollywood Stars on Capitol Hill

Dozens of people who have been harmed by faulty medical devices came to Washington, DC to share their stories with members of Congress on March 31 in support of the Medical Device Safety Act. They came because in 2008, the Supreme Court decided in Riegel v. Medtronic that medical device manufacturers cannot be held accountable for producing dangerous and defective products. The Medical Device Safety Act is critical legislation that will return the law to the way it was just over a year ago, allowing people like Avery Degroh, a five-year-old who was shocked by a malfunctioning defibrillator, a chance to receive justice.

In addition to these ordinary Americans, former West Wing cast members Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Schiff were on the hill launching the “Faces of the Employee Free Choice Act Campaign.” Alliance for Justice Board Member Bradley Whitford (aka Josh Lyman), spoke about the importance of this legislation and emphasized the role of many civil rights groups in the fight pass the Employee Free Choice Act. In addition to a serious discussion about the need for worker protections, Whitford joked about his similarities to Rahm Emanuel.

To add your voice to the discussion on Capitol Hill, call or write your member of Congress today. It’s always a good idea to have the Capitol Switchboard number programmed into your cell phone, (202)224-3121.