[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5842-H5845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CAMPUS PREVENTION AND RECOVERY SERVICES FOR STUDENTS ACT OF 2022

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 6493) to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to 
prevent certain alcohol and substance misuse, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6493

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Campus Prevention and 
     Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022''.

     SEC. 2. ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE MISUSE PREVENTION.

       Section 120 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1011i) is amended--

[[Page H5843]]

       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``drug and alcohol 
     abuse'' and inserting ``alcohol and substance misuse'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``a 
     program to prevent the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of 
     alcohol by students and employees that,'' and inserting ``an 
     evidence-based program to prevent alcohol and substance 
     misuse by students and employees that,'';
       (B) by amending paragraph (1)(D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) a description of any alcohol or substance misuse 
     counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, re-entry, or 
     recovery support programs provided by the institution 
     (including in partnership with a community-based 
     organization) that are available to employees or students; 
     and''; and
       (C) in paragraph (1)(E), by striking ``that the institution 
     will impose'' and inserting ``of the policies of the 
     institution regarding'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (A);
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(C) compliance assistance to assist institutions in 
     complying with the requirements of this section.'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); and
       (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Interagency agreement.--Not later than 180 days after 
     the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
     enter into an interagency agreement with the Secretary of 
     Health and Human Services to--
       ``(A) develop best practices that inform criteria which 
     satisfy the requirement under subsection (a) that an 
     institution of higher education has adopted and has 
     implemented an evidence-based program described in such 
     subsection;
       ``(B) establish a process for disseminating the best 
     practices for adopting and implementing such an evidence-
     based program; and
       ``(C) establish a process that promotes coordination and 
     collaboration between institutions of higher education and 
     the respective State agencies that administer the Substance 
     Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grants pursuant to 
     subpart II of part B of title XIX of the Public Health 
     Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300x-21).
       ``(3) Guidance.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
     the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall, in 
     coordination with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, 
     issue guidance with respect to the criteria described in 
     paragraph (2)(A).''; and
       (4) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the subsection heading, by striking ``drug abuse'' 
     in the heading and inserting ``substance misuse'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``other organizations'' and inserting 
     ``community-based organizations that partner with 
     institutions of higher education'';
       (ii) by striking ``programs of prevention, and education 
     (including treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the 
     illegal use of drugs and alcohol and the violence associated 
     with such use'' and inserting ``evidence-based programs of 
     alcohol and substance misuse prevention and education 
     (including programs to improve access to treatment, referral 
     for treatment services, or crisis intervention services) to 
     eliminate illegal substance use, decrease substance misuse, 
     and improve public health and safety''; and
       (iii) by striking ``alcohol and drug abuse'' and inserting 
     ``substance use disorder'';
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) as 
     paragraphs (3) through (6), respectively; and
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) Additional uses.--In addition to the activities 
     described in paragraph (1), a grant or contract awarded under 
     paragraph (1) may be used to carry out one or more of the 
     following evidence-based programs or activities:
       ``(A) Providing programs for recovery support services, and 
     peer-to-peer support services and counseling for students 
     with a substance use disorder.
       ``(B) Promoting integration and collaboration in campus-
     based health services between primary care, substance use 
     disorder services, and mental health services.
       ``(C) Promoting integrated care services for students 
     related to screening, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of 
     mental, behavioral, and substance use disorders.
       ``(D) Providing re-entry assistance for students on 
     academic probation due to their substance use disorder.
       ``(E) Preventing fatal and nonfatal overdoses, including 
     restoring existing mental health and substance use disorder 
     services after a natural disaster or public health emergency 
     declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under 
     section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
     247d).
       ``(F) Providing education to students, faculty, or other 
     personnel on--
       ``(i) recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance use 
     disorder, and how to engage and support a person in a crisis 
     situation;
       ``(ii) resources available in the community, within the 
     institution of higher education, and other relevant resources 
     for individuals with a substance use disorder; and
       ``(iii) safely de-escalating crisis situations involving 
     individuals with a substance use disorder.''; and
       (E) by amending paragraph (6), as redesignated by 
     subparagraph (C), to read as follows:
       ``(6) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section 
     $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2023 and each of the 5 succeeding 
     fiscal years.''.

     SEC. 3. PROGRAM PARTICIPATION AGREEMENTS.

       Section 487(a)(10) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1094(a)(10)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``(10)'' and inserting ``(10)(A)'';
       (2) by striking ``a drug abuse prevention program'' and 
     inserting ``an alcohol and substance misuse prevention 
     program in accordance with section 120''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(B) The institution shall be considered in compliance 
     with the requirements of subparagraph (A) unless there is a 
     showing that the institution knowing and willfully did not 
     implement a prevention program described in such 
     subparagraph.''.

     SEC. 4. REPORT.

       The Secretary of Education shall report to the Committee on 
     Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate on the efforts of the Secretary carried out under the 
     amendments made by this Act, and best practices from 
     institutions receiving a grant under section 120(e) of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1011i(e)), as amended 
     by section 2 of this Act--
       (1) not later than one year after the date of enactment of 
     this Act; and
       (2) three years after the date of enactment of this Act.

     SEC. 5. APPLICABILITY.

       The amendments made by sections 2(2) and 3 shall apply to 
     institutions of higher education beginning on the date that 
     is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Keller) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend 
their remarks and include extraneous material on the measure under 
consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, across the country, students on college campuses are 
facing an increased incidence of substance misuse.
  Even before the pandemic, there was a rising demand for substance 
prevention and recovery programs on campuses. Unfortunately, the 
pandemic has only exacerbated the mental health and student well-being 
crisis.
  In fact, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a study found that 89 
percent of college students experienced increased anxiety, and one in 
four students surveyed said their depression significantly increased.
  College-aged students misuse substances more than any other age 
group. In a lot of cases, substance misuse in college can lead to lower 
academic performance and unemployment after graduation. Tragically, in 
the worst cases, substance misuse can lead to illness and death.
  That is why the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez) 
acted and introduced the bipartisan Campus Prevention and Recovery 
Services for Students Act.
  This bill brings together the Departments of Education and Health and 
Human Services to encourage institutions to develop evidence-based 
substance misuse prevention and recovery programs for students with 
substance use disorders.
  This bill also encourages institutions to holistically address 
substance use and mental health concerns. Importantly, it reauthorizes 
grants to help institutions carry out these efforts.
  Madam Speaker, if we want to tackle the mental health crisis head-on 
and help our students reach their full potential, then we must invest 
in their well-being. This legislation will help deliver on that goal.
  I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for leading this effort, and 
I urge a ``yes'' vote on this bill.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I stand today in support of H.R. 6493, the bipartisan Campus 
Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022.
  Sadly, college students were not exempt from the tremendous pressure 
brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many students, these escalating

[[Page H5844]]

pressures have resulted in behavioral and mental health challenges, 
such as substance abuse.
  Even before the pandemic, studies found that young adults were 
turning to dangerous substances as 18-to-25-year-olds were reported to 
have the highest percent of opioid use of all age groups.
  This is why I am proud to join my colleagues in support of this bill 
today.
  H.R. 6493 promotes evidence-based prevention and recovery efforts on 
college campuses by providing colleges and universities the tools they 
need to support students struggling with substance abuse.
  Specifically, this bill requires institutions of higher education 
that receive Federal funding to adopt an evidence-based program to 
prevent alcohol and substance misuse by both students and employees. 
The bill also ensures that the institutions are equipped with proven, 
evidence-based methods by directing the Secretary of Education to 
coordinate with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop 
best practices for colleges and universities when implementing 
substance abuse programs. Such coordination and cooperation are 
crucial.
  For those colleges and universities that may need additional help for 
student recovery services, the bill updates an existing Federal grant 
for these uses. We know that colleges and university staff can serve as 
a critical support system for students suffering from an addiction or 
mental health issue. This bill will also empower staff to do so.
  With college students experiencing increased loneliness, isolation, 
and depression, it is important that these students have access to 
alcohol and substance misuse prevention programs.
  H.R. 6493 will keep students from falling into substance abuse, thus 
ensuring they start their future out on the right foot and on a path to 
a successful career. I urge my colleagues to support this bill today.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1300

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Leger Fernandez), who 
is the sponsor of the legislation.
  Ms. LEGER FERNANDEZ. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott and 
Ranking Member Keller from the State of Pennsylvania for their support 
of this much-needed legislation.
  Alcohol and substance misuse is a devastating issue across the 
country and on college campuses. It steals the dreams and futures of 
too many of our community.
  I lost two brothers to addiction--alcohol and drug misuse. That 
misuse began during their time in college. My family has never 
recovered from the loss of those two beautiful brothers of mine, and I 
understand all too well the pain substance misuse inflicts on students, 
their families, and their communities. Sadly, my family's story is not 
unique in New Mexico or across this country.
  Since the start of the pandemic, States have reported increased 
numbers of drug overdoses. Campuses have reported increased mental 
health concerns in students as well. College students who deal with 
substance misuse and addiction often find themselves isolated and 
without a support network.
  Congress has an opportunity to address this serious issue by making 
sure that colleges and universities support students through strong 
prevention and recovery programs. I don't want to see another headline 
or obituary of a promising young person lost to overdose.
  That is why I introduced the bipartisan Campus Prevention and 
Recovery Services for Students Act along with Representatives Dusty 
Johnson, Lucy McBath,   John Joyce, and   Michael Guest. I would also 
like to acknowledge Representative   David Trone who is co-chair of the 
Bipartisan Mental Health and Addiction Task Force of which I am also a 
member. He led this bill during last Congress.
  Our bill will help to cut the chains of addiction and unlock access 
to treatment and prevention for countless students across the United 
States. Specifically, it will reauthorize the drug and alcohol abuse 
prevention provision of the Higher Education Act to promote evidence-
based prevention and intervention strategies on college campuses. I 
have met with college students across my district to hear from them 
what is needed. What is needed is what is in this bill.
  It encourages campus collaboration and service integration to address 
substance use and mental health concerns in a holistic manner. The bill 
also authorizes $15 million to implement those grants for fiscal year 
2023 and the 5 following years.
  I was pleased to see my bill pass unanimously during its markup in 
the Education and Labor Committee. I thank Chairman Scott and his staff 
for working to get this bill to the House floor.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 6493 
and to vote ``yes'' in support of our students.
  Mr. KELLER. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, I am prepared 
to close, and I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Through this commonsense bipartisan legislation, we will support 
institutions of higher education in their work to address the health 
and well-being of students and employees.
  The isolation brought on by the pandemic exacerbated the mental 
health challenges students in this country were already facing. Data 
shows that substance abuse is a serious problem on college campuses. 
Some students may feel anxious about pursuing a degree in higher 
education and moving away from home for the first time, the challenges 
surrounding the pandemic have exacerbated those feelings.
  Current and future generations of college students will be well-
served with access to high-quality mental health and substance abuse 
disorder treatment services. The best thing postsecondary institutions 
can do is give students tools to handle those pressures in a healthy 
way.
  Today, I am honored to stand in support of this legislation, H.R. 
6493, as I believe it will give vulnerable students the assistance they 
desperately need.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Madam Speaker, as lawmakers, we have an opportunity to make a 
difference in students' lives and protect their health, including their 
mental health. The benefits of doing so are clear. Students with higher 
rates of well-being have higher GPAs and are more likely to graduate 
and be engaged in our community. Unfortunately, mental health issues 
and substance misuse are rising, and that is a concern for our college 
campuses.
  The Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act will 
provide both guidance and funding to help make sure that students have 
the tools that they need to reach their full potential.
  Again, I thank the chief sponsor of the bill, Ms. Leger Fernandez; 
the lead cosponsor of the bill, the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. 
Johnson); and Mr. Keller for their leadership on this important bill.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6493, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
6493, the Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act. As 
we are coming out of a two-year pandemic, taking care of individuals 
with mental health and substance use disorders, especially college 
students, is crucial.
  H.R. 6493, requires schools to develop evidence-based prevention and 
intervention strategies for college students and employees. H.R. 6493 
requires both the Department of Education and the Department of Health 
and Human Services to identify and promote successful programs.
  As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I know just 
how critical evidence-based practices are for prevention of alcohol and 
substance use disorders and how life saving these practices can be for 
any student. It is equally important for college campuses and the 
medical community to come together to do what is best for our nation's 
students.
  I look forward to voting in support of H.R. 6493 and urge my 
colleagues to do the same.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
6493--to amend the ``Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for 
Students Act of 2022'' to promote substance misuse treatment 
rehabilitation and re-entry within institutions of higher education.

[[Page H5845]]

  Today substance misuse targets our nation at a volatile rate. 
Specifically, when looking at our institutions of higher education our 
students are much more susceptible to being victims of substance 
misuse.
  Common triggers for substance misuse include peer pressure, stress, 
social organization, and mental health issues.
  Currently the ``Campus Prevention and Recovery Services for Students 
Act of 2022'', seeks to ensure that our public institutions are using 
funding given to them to provide the necessary outlets for recovery and 
re-entry into campus life.
  Solutions the original bill provides include models for ``prevention 
of the use of illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol'' by students and 
staff through connecting them with campus intervention, and 
rehabilitation resources.
  As it stands the bill targets many of the necessary areas it needs to 
promote rehabilitation of substance abuse, but what it fails to do is 
provide the necessary funding allocations in ongoing to ensure the 
longevity of keeping our students safe.
  Students who are struggling with substance misuse issues deserve to 
know that they are receiving the best possible care that they can, and 
we can foster that by making sure that our institutions of higher 
education have the resources they desperately need to be able continue 
to serve their student populations.
  Through H.R. 6493 it will further push campuses to ensure that they 
are working with organizations both on and off campus.
  Campuses will now be required to work with the Secretary of Education 
in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services to 
ensure that each campus is using their funding for the highest quality 
of rehabilitation and re-entry services.
  H.R. 6493 will grant $15 million to institutions annually from to 
2021-2028 to aid in funding public institutions' recovery, 
rehabilitation, and re-entry programs.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in support of H.R. 6493--the Campus 
Prevention and Recovery Services for Students Act of 2022.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 6493, 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.

                          ____________________