Shaheen Statement on Senate Passage of Final Version of Bipartisan Opioid Response Legislation

Statement

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after bipartisan, comprehensive opioid response legislation passed the Senate. The Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act was amended and passed by the House of Representatives last week, after previously passing the Senate. After today's final passage in the Senate, the bill will now head to the President's desk to be signed into law.

This legislation includes Shaheen priorities to assist Granite Staters, including enabling the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prioritize funding for states like New Hampshire that are hardest hit by the opioid epidemic, and extending authorization of prescription drug monitoring programs. The bill also includes provisions from legislation Senator Shaheen introduced with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) to establish a National Peer-Run Training and Technical Assistance Center for Addiction Recovery Support, and provides peer support networks with the resources and training they need to help combat the opioid crisis.

"The opioid epidemic has taken a devastating toll on Granite State families and imposed significant burdens that affect every aspect of daily life, including health care, education, employment, housing and more. To turn the tide of this crisis, we need a comprehensive effort with robust federal resources that match the scope of this epidemic," said Shaheen. "I've been very encouraged by the bipartisan work in Congress to deliver this opioid response legislation to the President's desk. This bill is the product of months of hearings and input from members of both chambers on both sides of the aisle, working to address this crisis from many angles and provide the support needed to help those struggling with substance use disorder and those on the frontlines, including our first responders, health care providers and families. I urge the President to immediately sign this bill into law so this legislation can be implemented as soon as possible."

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