Dispose of Unused Medications and Prescription Opioids Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 957, the Dispose of Unused Medications and Prescription Opioids Act, or the DUMP Opioids Act.

Last year, Congress passed legislation that would allow veterans to dispose of excess prescription medications at VA medical facilities. The DUMP Opioids Act would allow nonveterans to do the same thing. It would also authorize a VA education campaign to make veterans and nonveterans alike aware of their ability to dispose of leftover medication at the VA.

This bill is sponsored in the Senate by Senator Kennedy and in the House by Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. I am grateful to both of them for their leadership and advocacy on this important issue.

Earlier this month, CDC released data showing that opioid overdose deaths surged throughout the pandemic. In 2020, more than 93,000 Americans died of an overdose. This is an almost 30 percent increase from 2019.

We have to do everything we can to help those suffering from substance abuse disorder to overcome their addiction. One way we can do this is by making controlled substances less readily available. By making it easier for unused opioids and other prescription medication to be disposed of, this bill would help do that.

I hope that every Member will join me in supporting the DUMP Opioids Act.
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Mr. BOST. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support this bill as well, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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