Donovan, House Pass 35 Bills to Combat the Opioid Crisis

Washington, DC—June 14, 2018....Continuing his work to combat the opioid crisis ravaging communities across the nation, Congressman Dan Donovan (NY-11) and the U.S. House of Representatives this week voted to pass 35 bills to strengthen prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts. The series of legislation includes measures to support the research and development of non-addictive pain medications and treatments, enhance support for people and veterans suffering from addiction, and fight the importation and use of synthetic opioids and illicit drugs like fentanyl.

Congressman Donovan said, “There isn’t a day that passes where one doesn’t hear the tragic story of a life seized by the grasps of an opioid overdose. This crisis requires aggressive action on all fronts, and these bills will provide needed resources to everyone from law enforcement officials and medical professionals to those suffering from addiction. By working together and implementing effective policies, our nation will be able to overcome this scourge.” 

The passage of these bills is part of the House’s continued efforts to overhaul and improve the nation’s opioid policies. Some examples include the Stop Illicit Drug Importation Act and SCREEN Act, which will streamline and enhance the FDA’s ability to intercept illegal drugs and products. Additionally, the REGROUP Act reauthorizes and increases funds available under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. This grant funding supports critical programs, including training for first responders, veterans treatment and drug courts, implementation of prescription drug monitoring databases, and enhanced information sharing between agencies.

The CDC has reported that drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 50. It is estimated that more than 64,000 Americans died of drug overdoses in 2016 alone, with large increases in deaths related to fentanyl and synthetic opioids. 

Donovan has made combating the opioid abuse epidemic a priority during his time in Congress. He voted to pass the FY2018 omnibus bill that provided $4 billion to boost funding for opioid treatment, education, and enforcement efforts. Donovan previously testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee to advocate for a comprehensive strategy to combat the opioid abuse epidemic.

Full List of Bills

• H.R. 4284 – Indexing Narcotics, Fentanyl, and Opioids (INFO) Act
• H.R. 449 – Synthetic Drug Awareness Act
• H.R. 5752 – Stop Illicit Drug Importation Act
• H.R. 4684 – Ensuring Access to Quality Sober Living Act
• H.R. 5889 – Recognizing Early Childhood Trauma Related to Substance Abuse Act
• H.R. 2147 – Veterans Treatment Court Improvement Act of 2018
• H.R. 5002 – ACE Research Act
• H.R. 5009 – Jessie's Law
• H.R. 5041 – Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act
• H.R. 5102 – Substance Use Disorder Workforce Loan Repayment Act of 2018
• H.R. 5176 – Preventing Overdoses While in Emergency Rooms Act
• H.R. 5228 – SCREEN Act
• H.R. 5261 – TEACH to Combat Addiction Act
• H.R. 5272 – Reinforcing Evidence-Based Standards Under Law in Treating Substance Abuse Act
• H.R. 5327 – Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act 
• H.R. 5329 – Poison Center Network Enhancement Act
• H.R. 5353 – Eliminating Opioid Related Infectious Diseases Act 
• H.R. 5473 – Better Pain Management Through Better Data Act
• H.R. 5483 – Special Registration for Telemedicine Clarification Act 
• H.R. 5582 – Abuse Deterrent Access Act
• H.R. 5587 – Peer Support Communities of Recovery Act
• H.R. 5685 – Medicare Opioid Safety Education Act
• H.R. 5800 – Medicaid IMD ADDITIONAL INFO Act 
• H.R. 5812 – CONNECTIONS Act
• H.R. 4275 – Empowering Pharmacists in the Fight Against Opioid Abuse Act
• H.R. 5197 – Alternatives to Opioid (ALTO) Act
• H.R. 5294 – Treating Barriers to Prosperity Act
• H.R. 6029 – REGROUP Act of 2018
• H.R. 5890 – Assisting States’ Implementation of Plans of Safe Care Act
• H.R. 5891 – Improving the Federal Response to Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder Act
• S. 1091 – Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act
• H.R. 5892 – To establish an Advisory Committee on Opioids and the Workplace to advise the Secretary of Labor on actions the Department of Labor can take to address the impact of opioid abuse on the workplace.
• H.R. 5583 –To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to require States to annually report on certain adult health quality measures, and for other purposes.
• H.R. 3331 – To amend title XI of the Social Security Act to promote testing of incentive payments for behavioral health providers for adoption and use of certified electronic health record technology.
• H.R. 4635 –To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase the number of peer-to-peer counselors providing counseling for women veterans, and for other purposes.

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