[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            S. 524, COMPREHENSIVE ADDICTION AND RECOVERY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I voted to support the Conference Report 
accompanying S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. 
Although I support this critical legislative effort to begin fighting 
back against the opioid abuse and addiction crisis that has swept our 
country, there is much more work to be done to combat this epidemic. 
Passing this bill is encouraging, but it is only a first step.
  Unfortunately, many of the programs laid out in the legislation are 
not supported by the funding necessary to be fully effective. To 
achieve any measure of success, we must ensure that health care and 
treatment providers have the resources they need to effectively curtail 
opioid abuse and addiction, including robust funding and educational 
support for state and local initiatives.
  I ask my colleagues that we build on the progress made today and work 
to provide adequate funding and support to those who care for our 
communities and constituents as we address this enormous challenge.

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