WASHINGTON, DC—Today, legislation to address the alarming rise of opioid and heroin abuse and overdose in our nation cleared another hurdle and is now one step closer to the President’s desk. The Conference Committee Report on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act –legislation agreed upon by House and Senate members to address this crisis – passed out of the House with overwhelming bipartisan support on a vote of 407—5.
“The heroin and opioid crisis continues to claim lives and harm communities across the 18th district and throughout our nation. During the series of roundtables I hosted in May, law enforcement officers, treatment providers, and local elected officials, shared with me first-hand the need for a coordinated and urgent response. I am proud to work across the aisle and with my colleagues in the Senate to direct resources to support the great work being done by those on the frontlines of this public health crisis, and I urge the Senate to swiftly pass this crucial legislation,” stated Rep. LaHood. “While the solution to this national epidemic is far from being accomplished, this is a necessary step for our country to move forward in fighting back against abuse of these deadly substances.”
The Conference Report is the product of negotiations between the House and the Senate after each branch passed different versions of legislation on the heroin and opioid crisis earlier this spring. It includes many of the priority topics advocated by Rep. LaHood on behalf of the 18th district. It will authorize federal grants to states to create greater education, treatment and recovery efforts to prevent overdose deaths, as well as find alternatives to incarceration while advancing law enforcement training and treatment efforts to prevent overdose deaths. The measure also creates a Pain Management Task Force to find best practices in chronic pain management, implements and improves state-based prescription drug monitoring programs, and provides greater support for states to expand access to addiction treatment services, including the purchase and distribution of opioid overdose reversal drugs and training for first responders.
To read the full report, CLICK HERE.
