On the recordMay 11, 2016
I thank the gentlewoman from Indiana for her leadership and for her support of this initiative. Let me close by adding this. We are considering a number of bills this week aimed at curing the opioid and heroin epidemics ravaging so many American families. As we do so, we need to consider two things: First is that communities of color have unique needs that deserve just as much consideration. That is why I have offered this amendment, and it is a theme I hope to see continued in other legislation we will debate. The second is that, when we head back to our districts on Friday after completing consideration of these bills, we should not wash our hands and walk away from this issue. We need to fund the programs we have authorized. We need to look back with a critical eye at the ways we criminalized addictions in the past and offer those whom we failed solutions that will allow them to reenter society. Our work cannot stop there. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New Jersey (Mrs. Watson Coleman). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 8 Offered by Ms. Kuster The CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 printed in part A of House Report 114-551.
