Sweeping Opioid Legislation Signed Into Law

Statement

U.S. Congressman Rick W. Allen (R-Ga-12) released the following statement today after President Trump signed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, into law. H.R. 6, which passed in the House with Congressman Allen's support, is comprehensive, bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing the opioid epidemic and marks the most significant congressional effort against a single drug crisis in history.

"In too many families, in too many neighborhoods, and in too many communities throughout our country, there is an unthinkable sense of pain and loss that stems from the opioid crisis. My colleagues and I have taken proactive steps to bring opioid addiction out of the shadows, prevent further abuse, and assist those currently dealing with this fatal addiction by passing sweeping opioid legislation in the House and Senate, so that President Trump could sign it into law today," said Congressman Allen. "I am proud of our efforts to advance treatment and recovery initiatives, improve prevention, protect communities, and bolster the fight against deadly illicit drugs and I know that this legislation will save lives and have a lasting impact on American families."

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act does the following:

Improves and expands access to treatment and recovery services
Establishes comprehensive opioid recovery centers
Improves data to identify and help at-risk patients and families
Gives law enforcement tools to get dangerous drugs out of our communities
Cracks down on foreign shipments of illicit drugs

Source