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Tonko, Turner Launch Inquiry to Ensure Access to Addiction Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

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Rep. Paul Tonko

ALBANY, NY — Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Mike Turner (R-OH) today announced that they have sent inquires to dozens of hospitals, insurance plans, pharmacies, pharmacists, and providers aimed at gathering information on their existing actions and plans to eliminate barriers for accessing medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). The letters are intended to gain…

Tonko, Heinrich Introduce Bill to Remove Barrier to Lifesaving Addiction Treatment

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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) and Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM) today announced the introduction of legislation that would remove a barrier to accessing addiction treatment and help address America’s opioid crisis. The bill, named the Broadening Utilization of Proven and Effective Treatment for Recovery Act or the BUPE for Recovery Act would require the Administrator of…

Tonko Announces $549K+ Federal Grant for Albany County to Bolster Mental Health Services & Reduce Recidivism

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ALBANY, NY — Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded Albany County a $549,998 grant over three years to support a project jointly administered by the Albany County Department of Mental Health and the Albany County Probation Department that aims to reduce recidivism and enhance support for individuals released from incarceration in…

Tonko, Blumenthal Introduce Sports Betting Bill Centering Public Health Approach

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WASHINGTON, DC — With the 2024/25 NFL football season newly underway, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) yesterday introduced the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act, landmark legislation that would create nationwide consumer protections and standards for the mobile sports gambling industry. A full recording of…

Tonko, ATR Caucus Visit Fairfax Jail to Learn More About Addiction Treatment & Recovery Services

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jail visit speech

FAIRFAX, VA — Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and other caucus members on Monday, January 29th visited Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office-Adult Detention Center to learn more about treatment and recovery resources and challenges for incarcerated individuals. The members toured the detention center’s Striving to Achieve Recovery…

Tonko Calls on HHS to Ensure Treatment for Gambling Disorder is Covered Under Affordable Care Act

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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra calling for the agency to publicly clarify that gambling addiction is a mental health and substance use disorder and, therefore, covered for treatment and benefits under the Affordable Care Act. “It has come to my attention that constituents in…

Tonko, Joyce Announce Reps. Dean & Chavez-DeRemer as Vice Co-Chairs of Addiction, Treatment & Recovery Caucus

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Rep. Paul Tonko

WASHINGTON, DC — Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus Co-chair(s) Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) today announced the new vice-cochairs of the caucus, Representatives Madeleine Dean (PA-4) and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-5). “There is no corner of our nation that has not been affected by the disease of addiction,” Congressman Tonko said. “It is beholden on…

Tonko Lambasts Failure of Addiction Policy Bills to Meet the Moment

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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko delivered passionate remarks at today’s Energy and Commerce Committee markup on an addiction policy related bill. Tonko demanded that more federal action be taken to meet the moment and address the nation’s overdose  crisis, and specifically called for the passage of bipartisan, widely supported legislation, the Reentry Act and the Due Process…

Tonko Demands Action to Increase Access to Addiction Treatment

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WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul D. Tonko delivered passionate remarks during an Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing today to push for the passage of his bipartisan Reentry Act, a bill he introduced earlier this year that empowers states to restore access to healthcare, including addiction and mental health treatment, through Medicaid for incarcerated individuals up to 30…

Tonko, Armstrong Introduce Legislation to Expand Access to Opioid Reversal Agents

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Rep. Paul Tonko

WASHINGTON –  Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) introduced H.R. 4007 the Halting the Epidemic of Addiction and Loss (HEAL) Act of 2023, legislation that would expand access to new opioid overdose reversal agents. “For more than a decade in Congress, I’ve worked to address the huge gap in access to addiction treatment and use every tool at our…

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