Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman and ranking member for the work they have done together and with the committee to bring this very important bipartisan bill to the floor. I thank them both for their hard work, and the committee for its hard work, in compiling this bipartisan package to combat two of the most important issues, Mr. Speaker, facing communities today: mental health and drug addiction. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health and addiction challenges that were already present in our communities. For those already experiencing severe depression, anxiety, or even substance abuse and addiction disorders, the pandemic made it harder to access mental health care and essential help and resources, and it created, of course, much greater anxiety. This bill would reauthorize key mental health and addiction programs while helping to strengthen communities' crisis response. There are many important programs included, but I will highlight just a few. Mr. Speaker, among them is legislation from my friend Representative David Trone to help States expand the availability of high-quality recovery housing for treatment from substance abuse. Representative Trone has been a leader on this issue as co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. Mr. Speaker, also included is legislation from my friends Representatives Cindy Axne and Chris Pappas to revise opioid treatment program criteria to help those in need of treatment access it more quickly.…”