[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 4, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H1477]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PROVIDING SUPPORT TO FAMILIES OF INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM SUBSTANCE 
                              USE DISORDER

  (Mr. MEUSER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of an important 
bill I recently introduced with my friend and colleague,   David Trone 
from Maryland.
  H.R. 5572, the Family Support Services Act, would improve access to 
nonprofit community organizations that provide vital support for 
families of individuals struggling with substance use disorder.
  Despite the Trump administration's strong support of significant 
funding increases through H.R. 6 and other means, last year, my 
district experienced over 130 overdose deaths in Berks County alone, 
102 in Schuylkill County. The numbers are tragically high throughout my 
district.
  Families play an essential role in helping their loved ones recover 
from addiction, but the recovery process can be intimidating, 
stressful, and confusing. Organizations across the Nation struggle to 
offer family support services, such as finding treatment options, 
navigating insurance coverage and funding assistance, joining local 
support groups, and training and educating parents.
  Currently, organizations offering these services receive no 
government funding. H.R. 5572 would create a grant program to improve 
access to these vital services and save lives.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 5572, and 
empower families to do all they can to help their loved ones recover.

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