Fitzpatrick, House Advance Bill to Combat Opioid Epidemic

Press Release

Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick (PA-08), member of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse and the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, today voted with the House to support and pass the Conference Report to Accompany S. 521, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.

The bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act authorizes the attorney general and the Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to address the national epidemics of heroin and prescription opioid addiction, and makes various changes to Federal law to combat this addiction and abuse.

Also, the bill provides grant money to local governments and nonprofits to access medication-assisted treatment and alternatives to incarceration.

The bill passed the House 407-5 and now moves to the Senate.

"Clearly, we cannot arrest ourselves out of an addiction problem," said Fitzpatrick. "While this bill is a comprehensive approach to combating America's opioid epidemic, it is one piece of the puzzle. There is no substitute for the vital role of the family in preventing prescription and illicit drug use. "

Fitzpatrick added, "The bill supports law enforcement's mission to combat America's opioid epidemic, while combining the best practices for prevention, treatment, and recovery. It addresses particular groups affected by opioid abuses, including young children and veterans.

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