Schneider-Backed Bills to Address Opioid Epidemic Pass House

This week, multiple bills co-sponsored by Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) and focused on addressing our nation's opioid epidemic passed the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Each day, 115 Americans lose their lives to opioid overdose, a devastating national crisis that does not discriminate by geography, age, education, income, or race," said Schneider. "This week, Congress took action to address the epidemic of opioid abuse that has claimed too many lives in our communities. The bills passed out of the House will help create more opioid recovery centers, increase the care options available from the emergency room to overdose survivors, and update our laws to confront the growing problem of synthetic opioids. This is just a first step, and I urge my colleagues to build on this week's bipartisan progress to provide the resources we need to turn the tide."

H.R. 5327, the Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers Act, passed the House by a vote of 383-13. The bill creates a grant program to help establish and operate comprehensive opioid recovery centers that pair treatment and recovery services with community engagement. Schneider is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

H.R. 5176, the Preventing Overdoses While in Emergency Rooms Act (POWER Act), passed the House by voice vote. The bill increases coordinated care options at the emergency room who have been treated for an overdose. In remarks on the House floor in support of the measure, Schneider said, "These people need more than just naloxone; they need extended treatment and support to overcome their addiction." Schneider is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

H.R. 2851, the Stop Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act (SITSA Act), passed the House by a vote of 239-142. The bill updates the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to better equip law enforcement to crackdown on the manufacturers, importers, and distributors of dangerous synthetic opioids – including fentanyl. The bill was endorsed by Schneider and other members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Schneider spoke on the House floor in support of the measure during debate.