On the recordJune 22, 2018
Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This bill will help our struggling communities combat the opioid epidemic ravaging our Nation by focusing on providing care to those in need while addressing prevention of opioid misuse and abuse. I am proud that two pieces of legislation that I introduced are included in H.R. 6 as sections 202 and 203. Section 202, which I worked closely with Representative Peters on to introduce, would incentivize development of nonopioid pain alternatives for postsurgical pain. Section 203 would increase screening for chronic pain, address possible nonopioid pain alternatives, and increase early detection of opioid use disorder in seniors as they enter Medicare. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on solutions to this serious crisis, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 6.
