October 19, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Emily Nichols
Enichols@ambulance.org

Congressman Mike Carey Named 2026 Legislator of the Year by the American Ambulance Association

Washington, DC — October 19, 2026 — The American Ambulance Association (AAA) is proud to announce that Congressman Mike Carey (OH-15) has been selected as the 2026 Legislator of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing policies that support emergency medical services (EMS) and the ambulance industry.

Congressman Carey has been a strong advocate for the EMS community, championing legislative efforts to strengthen ambulance services and ensure continued access to essential emergency medical care. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the extension of the temporary Medicare ambulance add-on payments, which provide critical financial support to ambulance service providers across the country.

In addition, Congressman Carey sponsored the CARE Act, which would direct the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) to establish a pilot program exploring treatment-in-place models for Medicare beneficiaries. He has also advocated for federal fuel excise tax relief for nongovernmental ground ambulance service organizations, recognizing the financial challenges facing EMS providers.

“Congressman Carey’s dedication to strengthening emergency medical services and addressing the challenges facing ambulance providers is deeply appreciated,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “His leadership on critical reimbursement and legislative priorities demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that ambulance services have the resources and support necessary to continue delivering lifesaving care to communities nationwide.”

Through his continued advocacy, Congressman Carey has demonstrated a strong understanding of the essential role ambulance services play in the nation’s healthcare system and the importance of policies that support their long-term sustainability.

AAA is honored to recognize Congressman Mike Carey as its 2026 Legislator of the Year for his leadership, dedication, and ongoing support of the EMS community.

In addition to recognizing Congressman Carey, AAA has selected 32 members of Congress to receive its 2026 Legislative Recognition Awards for their continued support of EMS. The awards will be presented over the coming months, including during the Stars of Life celebration, taking place November 16–18 in Washington, DC, which honors outstanding EMS professionals from across the country.

Senate Legislative Recognition Awards

– Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

– Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

– Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)

– Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV)

– Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR)

– Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)

– Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO)

– Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

– Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

– Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS)

– Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)

– Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)

– Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR)

House Legislative Recognition Awards

– Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR)

– Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL)

– Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO)

– Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN)

– Rep. Val Hoyle (D-OR)

– Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA)

– Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV)

– Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA)

– Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX)

– Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL)

– Rep. Andrea Salinas (D-OR)

– Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)

– Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO)

– Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY)

– Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA)

– Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI)

– Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)

– Rep. Derek Tran (D-CA)

– Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR)

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About The American Ambulance Association

Caring for People—First.

The American Ambulance Association safeguards the future of mobile healthcare through advocacy, thought leadership, and education. AAA advances sustainable EMS policy, empowering our members to serve their communities with high-quality on-demand healthcare. For more than 40 years, we have proudly represented those who care for people first.