Guinta, Kuster, Task Force Propose Heroin Epidemic Bills

WASHINGTON, DC - The Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic held its first Capitol Hill press conference on April 21, 2016, with Republican and Democrat House members presenting 15 bills that would help their districts overcome a nationwide public health crisis, according to a press statement.

Outside the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Reps. Frank Guinta, R-NH, and Ann McLane Kuster, D-NH, introduced more than a dozen House members. Many spoke about family members and friends, who had fallen victim to heroin or opiate abuse. They announced legislation that would reform opioid prescription practices, update Veterans’ Administration pain treatment procedures, and increase access to anti-overdose medications, among other Task Force objectives.

In opening remarks, Guinta addressed the demand and supply sides of the heroin problem.

“Some of our bills strengthen law enforcement at major drug trafficking centers and direct low-level offenders into treatment. We must stop the revolving door between prison and addiction. We must also crack down on major drug dealers to choke off supply,” said the Congressman.

• Reform opioid prescription practices
• Improve access to treatment
• Update Department of Veterans Affairs pain treatment procedures
• Increase access to anti-overdose medications
• Encourage proper disposal of unused prescriptions
• Promote alternatives to incarceration for low-level drug offenders
• Strengthen law enforcement at high-intensity drug trafficking areas

Additional information about the full legislative package can be found here.

“There’s no silver bullet for solving this issue, which is why our legislative package takes a multi-faceted approach to meeting this challenge head on – through increased access to treatment, more support and training for our law enforcement officials, pain management training for our medical practitioners, and of course, funding," Kuster added. "Working together across these areas, we can put an end to this epidemic and help struggling families across the country. I urge my colleagues in Congress to fully support our package and pass it quickly through the House.”