Rep. Kaptur Urges Swift Action by House Energy and Commerce Committee to Address the Heroin Epidemic

Toledo, OH -- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) today heralded an announcement by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has scheduled a full committee markup of a broad slate of bills related to opioids next week. Rep. Kaptur has repeatedly called upon the House to act swiftly in addressing this serious public health crisis. As a senior appropriator, Rep. Kaptur has advocated for increased funds and the inclusion of heroin connected directives to agencies within the purview of the appropriations process. Additionally, as a member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, Rep, Kaptur has co-sponsored both comprehensive and narrow efforts to address a range of aspects of the epidemic, including adequate and targeted funding, emergency response, education, and prevention.

“The heroin epidemic can be addressed by a determined effort from Congress to enact reform, and to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. This isn’t a single-layer issue that will be fixed with one solution. There are pieces that need to come together and we can best do this by listening to the needs and experiences of local communities,” said Rep. Kaptur.

“The patchwork of programs and policies currently in place present obstacles for those seeking treatment for opiate addiction,” said Rep. Kaptur. “The bills supported by the Heroin Task Force, and before the Energy and Commerce Committee, seek to confront these obstacles and to provide a framework that encourages collaboration and stricter enforcement of laws already in place.”

“The several committees with jurisdiction have a formidable task ahead, but one that is vital to the health and well-being of communities across our nation, explained Rep. Kaptur. “We cannot sit idly by while people continue to suffer under the strain of opiate addiction. The legislation before the Energy and Commerce Committee will help alleviate this strain by addressing funding, prescription drug monitoring, sentencing reform, and improvements to agency rules that have encouraged doctors and medical providers to prescribe prescription painkillers at such an alarming rate. While I am pleased by the Energy and Commerce Committee’s efforts, I urge the additional committees to immediately follow suit and organize markups to advance the legislative package.”

The Judiciary, Ways & Means, and Veterans’ Affairs Committees share jurisdiction over the legislation included in the Heroin Task Force’s legislative platform, none have yet scheduled markup dates. Rep. Kaptur is a cosponsor of CARA, the Stop Abuse Act, and the Reducing Unused Medications Act, among others. CARA has already passed the Senate and could be voted on immediately in the House.

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