[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 183 (Tuesday, October 19, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H5647-H5650]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
STATE OPIOID RESPONSE GRANT AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2021
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 2379) to amend the 21st Century Cures Act to reauthorize and
expand a grant program for State response to the opioid use disorders
crisis, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 2379
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
[[Page H5648]]
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``State Opioid Response Grant
Authorization Act of 2021''.
SEC. 2. GRANT PROGRAM FOR STATE AND TRIBAL RESPONSE TO OPIOID
AND STIMULANT USE AND MISUSE.
Section 1003 of the 21st Century Cures Act (42 U.S.C.
290ee-3 note) is amended to read as follows:
``SEC. 1003. GRANT PROGRAM FOR STATE AND TRIBAL RESPONSE TO
OPIOID AND STIMULANT USE AND MISUSE.
``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services (referred to in this section as the `Secretary')
shall carry out the grant program described in subsection (b)
for purposes of addressing opioid and stimulant use and
misuse, within States, Indian Tribes, and populations served
by Tribal organizations and Urban Indian organizations.
``(b) Grants Program.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary shall award grants to States,
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian
organizations for the purpose of addressing opioid and
stimulant use and misuse, within such States, such Indian
Tribes, and populations served by such Tribal organizations
and Urban Indian organizations, in accordance with paragraph
(2).
``(2) Minimum allocations; preference.--In determining
grant amounts for each recipient of a grant under paragraph
(1), the Secretary shall--
``(A) ensure that each State receives not less than
$4,000,000; and
``(B) give preference to States, Indian Tribes, Tribal
organizations, and Urban Indian organizations whose
populations have an incidence or prevalence of opioid use
disorders or stimulant use or misuse that is substantially
higher relative to the populations of other States, other
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, or Urban Indian
organizations, as applicable.
``(3) Formula methodology.--
``(A) In general.--Before publishing a funding opportunity
announcement with respect to grants under this section, the
Secretary shall--
``(i) develop a formula methodology to be followed in
allocating grant funds awarded under this section among
grantees, which includes performance assessments for
continuation awards; and
``(ii) not later than 30 days after developing the formula
methodology under clause (i), submit the formula methodology
to--
``(I) the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the
Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
and
``(II) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate.
``(B) Report.--Not later than two years after the date of
the enactment of the State Opioid Response Grant
Authorization Act of 2021, the Comptroller General of the
United States shall submit to the Committee on Health,
Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the
Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of
Representatives a report that--
``(i) assesses how grant funding is allocated to States
under this section and how such allocations have changed over
time;
``(ii) assesses how any changes in funding under this
section have affected the efforts of States to address opioid
or stimulant use or misuse; and
``(iii) assesses the use of funding provided through the
grant program under this section and other similar grant
programs administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration.
``(4) Use of funds.--Grants awarded under this subsection
shall be used for carrying out activities that supplement
activities pertaining to opioid and stimulant use and misuse,
undertaken by the State agency responsible for administering
the substance abuse prevention and treatment block grant
under subpart II of part B of title XIX of the Public Health
Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x-21 et seq.), which may include
public health-related activities such as the following:
``(A) Implementing prevention activities, and evaluating
such activities to identify effective strategies to prevent
substance use disorders.
``(B) Establishing or improving prescription drug
monitoring programs.
``(C) Training for health care practitioners, such as best
practices for prescribing opioids, pain management,
recognizing potential cases of substance use disorders,
referral of patients to treatment programs, preventing
diversion of controlled substances, and overdose prevention.
``(D) Supporting access to health care services,
including--
``(i) services provided by federally certified opioid
treatment programs;
``(ii) outpatient and residential substance use disorder
treatment services that utilize medication-assisted
treatment, as appropriate; or
``(iii) other appropriate health care providers to treat
substance use disorders.
``(E) Recovery support services, including--
``(i) community-based services that include peer supports;
``(ii) mutual aid recovery programs that support
medication-assisted treatment; or
``(iii) services to address housing needs and family
issues.
``(F) Other public health-related activities, as the State,
Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Urban Indian
organization determines appropriate, related to addressing
substance use disorders within the State, Indian Tribe,
Tribal organization, or Urban Indian organization, including
directing resources in accordance with local needs related to
substance use disorders.
``(c) Accountability and Oversight.--A State receiving a
grant under subsection (b) shall include in reporting related
to substance use disorders submitted to the Secretary
pursuant to section 1942 of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300x-52), a description of--
``(1) the purposes for which the grant funds received by
the State under such subsection for the preceding fiscal year
were expended and a description of the activities of the
State under the grant;
``(2) the ultimate recipients of amounts provided to the
State; and
``(3) the number of individuals served through the grant.
``(d) Limitations.--Any funds made available pursuant to
subsection (i)--
``(1) shall not be used for any purpose other than the
grant program under subsection (b); and
``(2) shall be subject to the same requirements as
substance use disorders prevention and treatment programs
under titles V and XIX of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 290aa et seq., 300w et seq.).
``(e) Indian Tribes, Tribal Organizations, and Urban Indian
Organizations.--The Secretary, in consultation with Indian
Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian organizations,
shall identify and establish appropriate mechanisms for
Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and Urban Indian
organizations to demonstrate or report the information as
required under subsections (b), (c), and (d).
``(f) Report to Congress.--Not later than September 30,
2024, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary shall submit
to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of
the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the
House of Representatives, and the Committees on
Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the
Senate, a report that includes a summary of the information
provided to the Secretary in reports made pursuant to
subsections (c) and (e), including--
``(1) the purposes for which grant funds are awarded under
this section;
``(2) the activities of the grant recipients; and
``(3) for each State, Indian Tribe, Tribal organization,
and Urban Indian organization that receives a grant under
this section, the funding level provided to such recipient.
``(g) Technical Assistance.--The Secretary, including
through the Tribal Training and Technical Assistance Center
of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration, shall provide States, Indian Tribes, Tribal
organizations, and Urban Indian organizations, as applicable,
with technical assistance concerning grant application and
submission procedures under this section, award management
activities, and enhancing outreach and direct support to
rural and underserved communities and providers in addressing
substance use disorders.
``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given the term `Indian tribe' in section 4 of the
Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25
U.S.C. 5304).
``(2) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term `tribal organization' in such
section 4.
``(3) State.--The term `State' has the meaning given such
term in section 1954(b) of the Public Health Service Act (42
U.S.C. 300x-64(b)).
``(4) Urban indian organization.--The term `Urban Indian
organization' has the meaning given such term in section 4 of
the Indian Health Care Improvement Act.
``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out the grant
program under subsection (b), there is authorized to be
appropriated $1,750,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022
through 2027, to remain available until expended.
``(2) Federal administrative expenses.--Of the amounts made
available for each fiscal year to award grants under
subsection (b), the Secretary shall not use more than 20
percent for Federal administrative expenses, training,
technical assistance, and evaluation.
``(3) Set aside.--Of the amounts made available for each
fiscal year to award grants under subsection (b) for a fiscal
year, the Secretary shall--
``(A) award 5 percent to Indian Tribes, Tribal
organizations, and Urban Indian organizations; and
``(B) of the amount remaining after application of
subparagraph (A), set aside up to 15 percent for awards to
States with the highest age-adjusted rate of drug overdose
death based on the ordinal ranking of States according to the
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.''.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New
Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) each
will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New Jersey.
General Leave
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in
[[Page H5649]]
which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous
material on H.R. 2379.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection.
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2379, the State Opioid
Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021.
The substance use and opioid crisis continues to be a public health
emergency and has evolved into a devastating dual threat when combined
with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opioids are the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United
States. Tragically, last year, more than 93,000 Americans died from an
opioid overdose. That is the highest 12-month death toll since the
beginning of the opioid epidemic.
Now, experts suspect that the COVID-19 pandemic only exacerbated this
terrible record last year. Overall, it is estimated that more than 20
million Americans have a substance use disorder. While treatment and
services are available, many do not have access to or are not aware of
the care in their communities.
H.R. 2379 basically supports our ongoing work to combat the opioid
crisis, and the legislation enhances our efforts in the 21st Century
Cures Act and the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. It does
this by authorizing the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration State Opioid Response grant program, better known as
SAMHSA's SOR grant program.
The bill also aligns the authorization with authorities included in
the 21st Century Cures Act.
Although the SAMHSA grant program has been funded through the
appropriations process since 2018, it does not have a statutory
authorization. This legislation provides that important authorization
and ensures future funding.
Today, the SOR grants are used to enhance prevention and recovery
activities across the States, including support services to address
stimulant misuse and use disorders. These grants also reduce barriers
to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder, which is
critical to addressing the treatment gap and reducing the number of
overdose deaths.
This bill also provides Congress more information and transparency
about existing funding, including the formula used to make allocations
to States. This information will allow us to examine how changes to
these allocations impact the progress States are making to address the
opioid crisis.
It is important for this program to direct resources to communities
most in need or where surges in opioid or stimulant use are occurring,
and this information will help us make sure that resources are getting
to where they are needed the most.
I want to thank the sponsor of the bill, the gentleman from Maryland
(Mr. Trone), for his leadership on this issue. I also want to thank my
Republican committee colleagues for their support on this legislation,
as we continue our work to address the substance use crisis in this
country.
Madam Speaker, the bill unanimously passed the House last year. I
urge my colleagues to support it once again today. I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2379, the State Opioid
Response Grant Authorization Act. This important bill authorizes the
appropriations for the State Opioid Response grant program administered
by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The United States still remains in the midst of an opioid crisis that
has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal grants have
provided a substantial level of support to States that are on the front
lines of addressing substance use disorders, including opioid and
stimulant use disorders.
H.R. 2379 would ensure continued, predictable support for substance
use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts for several
years. I support passage of this legislation, and I reserve the balance
of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to
the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Trone), the author of the bill.
Mr. TRONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to
support my bill, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act.
This bipartisan bill directly addresses the worsening opioid crisis
by authorizing $10.5 billion over 6 years in grants to States and
Tribes. This funding will prevent and treat those suffering from
addiction.
During Recovery Month last month, I met with several healthcare
providers to discuss the challenges faced by those in recovery. We hear
time and time again how individuals in recovery often struggle to
access the resources they need.
This bill meets the moment by giving States and Tribes the
consistent, necessary funding they need to meet their specific needs.
I want to thank Energy and Commerce Chairman Pallone and Ranking
Member McMorris Rodgers, and Health Subcommittee Chairwoman Eshoo, and
my friend, Subcommittee Ranking Member Guthrie, for considering this
bill.
I thank our bipartisan sponsors. In particular, I want to thank
Congresswoman Sherrill, Congressman Baird, and Congressman Armstrong
for their advocacy. I am so grateful to the members of the Bipartisan
Addiction and Mental Health Task Force for helping us get this over the
finish line.
When we put aside partisan politics and focus on the real issues and
work hard, we can make a difference. For these reasons, I urge a
``yes'' vote on the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act.
{time} 1615
Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend from Maryland for the
kind words.
Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Utah (Mr.
Curtis), my friend and an important member of the Energy and Commerce
Committee.
Mr. CURTIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2379, the
State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act.
This legislation provides critical resources to State and local
governments combating the opioid crisis that has crippled communities
across the United States, including Utah.
This legislation will give State and local governments flexibility in
addressing this tragic epidemic in their communities.
For example, in Utah there are significant socioeconomic differences
between Price and Orem, two communities I represent that are both
fighting addiction.
We have to allow experts on the ground to address these challenges
accordingly, which is why I strongly support this legislation.
Equally as important is ensuring we have the workforce to treat
individuals suffering with addiction.
That is why I recently introduced the Helping Enable Access to
Lifesaving Services Act, or the HEALS Act.
The HEALS Act would complement the State opioid response grants with
targeted Federal dollars to help train future behavioral healthcare
workers in areas of high need.
Taken together, these are the necessary steps to fight addiction in
communities across our country, which has taken the lives of nearly
100,000 Americans in this past year alone.
I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2379 and my legislation, the
HEALS Act.
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Florida (Mr. Deutch).
Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for
yielding.
Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2379 to extend and broaden
our efforts to help Americans with substance use disorder get the help
they need to help prevent addiction and to save lives.
I thank my friends, Mr. Trone and Ms. Sherrill, for their leadership.
Earlier this year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced
[[Page H5650]]
that opioid response grantees will now be able to use these funds to
expand access to fentanyl test strips.
Tragically, that announcement came just 1 month after the death of my
dear nephew, Eli Weinstock.
At just 20 years old, Eli died of an unintentional fentanyl overdose
after ingesting a legal herbal supplement tainted with fentanyl.
Out of our grief, Eli's family created an organization, BirdieLight,
to increase awareness of fentanyl risks and the tools like fentanyl
test strips needed to save lives.
From 2019 to 2020, overdose deaths spiked by over 22,000 to a record
93,331 Americans who died of overdose in 2020.
Young people aged 15 to 24 saw a nearly 50 percent increase in 1
year.
Last month, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued its first
public safety alert in 6 years to warn of the surge of counterfeit
pills laced with fentanyl.
The DEA has seized over 11.3 million fake pills over the past year,
more than the previous 2 years combined.
Fentanyl has been found in fake imitations of real prescription
medications, including oxycodone, Xanax, and stimulants like Adderall.
These substances are easily acquired on social media platforms or
from friends who have no idea where they came from or what is in them.
We need to talk about this. We need to change this. We need to act.
We need to do it for Eli and for the hundreds of Americans who die of
overdose every day in this country.
This legislation is an important first step. I urge my colleagues to
vote for it.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from
Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline).
Mr. CICILLINE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.
Across the country, the opioid epidemic is devastating families and
communities.
In Rhode Island, the COVID-19 pandemic is only worsening this crisis.
In 2020 alone, accidental overdose deaths in Rhode Island increased by
25 percent, with most involving opioids.
State Opioid Response funding has been critical to combating this
deadly epidemic and helped provide Rhode Islanders with the resources
we need to combat drug abuse, prevent overdoses, and save lives.
The majority of Rhode Islanders who lost their lives to an opioid
overdose in recent years had a history of substance abuse without
treatment, and we need resources to intervene now.
State Opioid Response funding has helped provide the support and
treatment people suffering addiction need so desperately.
It means access to naloxone and training on how to use it. It means
paths to recovery. And it means saving lives.
I thank Representative Trone for introducing H.R. 2379, the State
Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021 to support States in
their fight against this opioid epidemic.
I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation and save
lives.
Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, I think this is a good bill. It is an
important bill.
All of our States have been affected by the opioid crisis, so it is
good that we are here today focusing on this in a bipartisan way
working together.
Madam Speaker, I urge the support of this bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, again, this is a very important bill
addressing the opioid epidemic with these various grant programs.
Madam Speaker, I would ask for support on a bipartisan basis, and I
yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2379, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
____________________