OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Support for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025

Floor Speech

Date: June 4, 2025
Location: Washington, DC

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Mr. JAMES. Mr. Chair, dramatic pause for effect, I rise today to speak in favor of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. I thank my friend, Chairman Guthrie, for his very hard work and leadership in getting this done.

Fentanyl is a scourge on our Nation, leaving a trail of heartbreak and destruction in its wake. We cannot allow this poison to continue tearing our families apart, and I am proud the House Republicans are, once again, leading the fight to protect our communities and get fentanyl off our streets.

Nationally, in 2022, the United States saw over 107,000 overdose deaths in 1 year. That is 45 more deaths in 1 year than we lost during the entirety of the 20-year war in Afghanistan. It is unconscionable.

While I am thrilled to see that opioid overdose deaths have declined from an estimated 83,000 in 2023 and 54,000 in 2024, there is still so much more that we have to do.

The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 plays a critical role by ensuring first responders have access to lifesaving naloxone, increasing treatment options, and bolstering support services.

I am especially pleased to see that provisions of my Road to Recovery Act were included in this SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025. The bipartisan Road to Recovery Act reauthorizes lifesaving resources vital to addressing opioid addiction and substance abuse across the country.

It provides critical resources for SAMHSA's National Helpline, a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

Mr. Chair, the American people are tired of Democrats and Republicans bickering. I imagine both Democrats and Republicans agree on fentanyl and any direction on fixing this scourge is a step in the right direction.

Mr. Chair, with this bipartisan legislation and action that we are taking to save lives, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this crucial legislation.

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