Rep. Ted Budd Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Tackle Substance Abuse

Press Release

Reps. Ted Budd (R-NC), Harley Rouda (D-CA) and a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced the Drug-Free Communities Pandemic Relief Act.

This legislation would help reduce substance abuse among our youth by giving the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) the authority to waive the match requirements of the Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program if the grantee is unable to meet these requirements due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill was also introduced by 35 other Republican and Democratic House members.
Rep. Budd said in a statement:

"Substance abuse has wreaked havoc on thousands of people, damaged families, and devastated communities across the country. Its cost, not unlike COVID-19, can be measured in lost dreams and lost potential; in the financial and labor burdens on first responders, healthcare providers and human service organizations; and ultimately, in the tragic loss of human life. Fortunately, there are community coalitions funded by the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, which -- by virtue of their comprehensive, multi-sector approach to solving and addressing local drug issues -- are now taking on the increased role in the COVID-19 pandemic. These coalitions are uniquely able to deal with emerging drug trends, including those posed by the pandemic, because they create data-driven, coordinated, local responses to them. That's why I'm proud to support an initiative that will make it easier for coalitions across the country to continue their heroic efforts to reduce substance abuse."

Rep. Rouda said:

"Our nation is fighting two public health crises -- coronavirus and addiction. We must ensure that the federal government continues to support local Drug-Free Communities coalitions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This common-sense and bipartisan bill would remove financial limitations that could prevent community-led programs from operating and saving lives during the pandemic."

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