Rep. Gene Green Bill to Combat the Opioid Crisis Passes the Full Committee

Press Release

Today, the House Energy & Commerce Committee held a full committee markup and passed more than 30 bills, including the bipartisan Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act, which was introduced by Reps. Gene Green (D-TX), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), and Larry Buschon, M.D. (R-IN).

"The bipartisan legislation that passed today is a step forward for millions of Americans who suffer from opioid abuse and need comprehensive treatment at a one-stop shop," said Green. "Our legislation will require designated centers to provide wraparound services for Americans suffering from opioid addiction, including counseling, recovery housing, and job training. It is our intention to use this new program to identify standards and best practices that can be deployed nationwide."

The Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act of 2018 would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award grants to treatment facilities in order to establish or operate comprehensive centers that provide a full range of treatment services. The bill requires evidence-based practices and data reporting to ensure accountability, allowing for treatments such as detoxification, the use of FDA-approved medications for substance abuse disorders, and a number of other services.

Other bills that were introduced or originally cosponsored by Congressman Green and passed the committee include:

The Ensuring Small Scale LNG Certainty and Access Act (H.R. 4606), which will allow small-scale liquid natural gas applications for exports to be granted without modification or delay. Congressman Green worked with the bill's original author, Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), to include language that will ensure the Department of Energy must comply with the evaluation of potential direct and indirect environmental impacts.
Over-the-Counter Monograph Safety, Innovation, and Reform Act of 2018 (H.R. 5333), which will enhance FDA's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to safety concerns, review OTC ingredient applications in a timely manner, and encourage sponsors to submit OTC innovations.
The Animal Drug and Animal Generic Drug User Fee Amendments of 2018 (H.R. 5554), which will reauthorize animal drug and generic drug programs.

All pieces of legislation will now go to the House of Representatives for a final vote.

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