Hank Johnson: “I thank the gentlewoman. I rise in support of her amendment. I also rise to state my unyielding support for the…”

“I thank the gentlewoman. I rise in support of her amendment. I also rise to state my unyielding support for the underlying legislation introduced by my friend, Jim Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin, literally an institution of statutory production in the halls of this Congress. I appreciate it. This DelBene amendment would enable States and local governments to use grant monies for treatment alternatives to incarceration programs, including community-based abuse diversion programs sponsored by a law enforcement agency. H.R. 5046 authorizes the attorney general to make grants to State and local governments for the development, expansion, or implementation of opioid abuse treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration. This amendment would expand eligibility for such grants to community- based substance abuse diversion programs sponsored by a law enforcement agency. The cooperation and involvement of local law enforcement agencies is an important component in any comprehensive effort to combat opioid abuse. Diversion programs can play a key role in improving outcomes and rehabilitating opioid drug offenders. Diversion programs also benefit law enforcement by conserving law enforcement resources, judicial and penal resources, while enabling police agencies and courts to focus on drug traffickers and other serious criminals. Based on those facts, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”