Rep. Gene Green Amendments Added to Legislation to Combat Opioid Crisis Passed Full Committee

Press Release

Today, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a second full committee markup and passed more than 30 opioid-related bills. During the markup, Congressman Green introduced an amendment to two separate bills, which were both included in the final passage of the SCREEN Act (H.R. 5228) and Health HOME Act (H.R. 5810).

The first amendment was added to H.R. 5228, sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ). The bill would clarify the Federal Drug Administration's (FDA) authority to consider a drug's potential for misuse and abuse as part of the approval process. During a March legislative hearing, FDA Director Scott Gottlieb testified that the issue of opioid misuse and abuse is one of the Agency's highest priorities.

"Last year, the FDA acted when it requested to withdrawal an opioid treatment due to the concern that the benefits associated with the product were outweighed by the risks of abuse and manipulation," said Green. "Clarifying the FDA's authority to take potential risks for abuse and misuse into consideration is an important step to combat the opioid crisis."

The second amendment was added to H.R. 5801, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA). The bill would require state Medicaid plans to provide coverage for all medication-assisted treatment (MAT). During multiple hearings on the opioid crisis, Members on the Energy & Commerce Committee heard from public health agencies and treatment professionals about the importance of medication-assisted treatment.

"This amendment would ensure that Americans struggling with opioid abuse, or another substance use disorder, would have access to the most appropriate MAT for their recovery under Medicaid," said Green.

Today's markup is the second in which the Energy & Commerce Committee passed legislation to combat the opioid crisis.

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