Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Reduction Act of 2016

Floor Speech

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Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer a simple clarifying amendment to ensure that State, local, and tribal governments can develop and implement community-based programs that have demonstrated success in reducing recidivism and getting people the help that they need. I am hopeful everyone in this Chamber can support it.

The growing epidemic of heroin use and prescription drug abuse is having a devastating effect on the health and safety of our families and our communities both in my home State of Washington and across the country.

The problem has become so severe that adults in the United States are now more likely to die from a drug overdose than a car accident. With more than 120 deaths occurring from drug overdoses in this country every day--more than half of which are from prescription drugs--it is clearer than ever that Congress must take action.

That is why I am so pleased to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle coming together to combat the epidemic of addiction. This legislation represents an important first step. It authorizes much- needed funding for the opioid abuse reduction programs that will expand substance abuse prevention and intervention efforts, boost resources for law enforcement officers and first responders to administer overdose reversal drugs, improve substance abuse treatment for individuals in the criminal justice system, and help prevent the illegal distribution of opioids in our streets.

Among the programs authorized under the bill are treatment alternative to incarceration programs, an important tool for law enforcement agencies in the fight against opioid abuse. My amendment simply clarifies that this provision includes a model with demonstrated success in Seattle and King County.

First launched in 2011, the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, or LEAD, is a community-based pilot program that offers a helping hand rather than jail time for those suffering from substance abuse.

According to an initial study, it successfully reduces recidivism by as much as 60 percent. Other cities have taken notice, with Santa Fe and Albany already working to implement the model in their communities.

Instead of arresting and prosecuting low-level drug offenders, we should be supporting successful programs like LEAD that direct them to the community-based services and help that they need.

My amendment will do just that. It will ensure resources are available to expand successful models that are already working and make a meaningful difference in addressing this crisis.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.

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Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Johnson).

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Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

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