DeLauro Statement on Opioid Bills Passed in the House of Representatives

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding a series of bills addressing the national opioid epidemic that was recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“The bills passed by the House of Representatives do some good, but fall short in providing resources for treatment and recovery. Across the country, families and communities are facing the heartbreaking reality that 78 Americans are dying each day from opioids. The opioid epidemic is a true public health crisis and Congress must do more to address treatment,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “Earlier this year, I introduced the Access to Substance Abuse Treatment Act, which would provide $1 billion a year to support community clinics and expand access to treatment for individuals with a history of substance abuse. Congress should pass my bill and give communities the resources they need to save lives.”

DeLauro’s bill has been endorsed by the Connecticut State Medical Society, Harm Reduction Coalition, and the American Psychological Association. Examples of eligible uses for the funding include supporting innovative delivery of medication assisted treatment, expanding substance abuse treatment to rural communities through the use of telemedicine, and treatment for substance abuse patients as they reenter the community from the criminal justice system.

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