Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released a statement following President Trump’s signing of H.R. 2483, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, into law.
“Today, America celebrates the passage of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act—legislation that takes significant steps toward reducing the toll illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances take on our communities. As the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, I’m proud of the bipartisan work that has been done through this important legislation to continue empowering first responders, supplying recovery resources, and increasing access to treatment options for individuals with substance use disorders,” said Chairman Guthrie. “I want to thank President Trump for his continued commitment to combatting the opioid crisis, and the reauthorization of this legislation ensures continued investment in prevention, recovery, and hope for families nationwide.”
The bill was advanced from committee by a roll call vote of 36-13 before passing in the House with 366 votes in favor and 57 against. The Senate approved it by unanimous consent on September 18.
Key provisions in the SUPPORT Act include maintaining access to naloxone for first responders; expanding substance use disorder treatment options specifically for pregnant and postpartum women; strengthening state prescription drug monitoring programs; encouraging workforce participation among people in recovery; and providing ongoing resources for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers offering broad treatment services.
