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WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Susan Wild (D-PA), and Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) today cheered action by the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health to include their bipartisan Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act of 2022 as part of its legislative hearing next week. The members introduced the legislation yesterday, which would reauthorize this crucial block grant for another five years, ensuring sustained investment in programs that support states, communities, and families battling the disease of addiction.

“Across our nation, millions of Americans are struggling with the disease of addiction—a crisis that has become even more dire during this pandemic,” Congressman Tonko said. “During my time in Congress, I’ve fought hard to support programs that address this worsening crisis and deliver critical resources to our communities. Last year, I fought successfully to deliver funding to the Federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program through our American Rescue Plan, and this reauthorization underscores our continuing commitment to ensuring we provide hope and a path forward for our neighbors and loved ones who need it most.”

“While statistics show the substance use disorder crisis is getting worse, nothing speaks louder than hearing firsthand from Kentuckians and their families and friends about the devastating impact that substance use disorders can have. I’m proud to be the lead Republican spearheading these efforts to provide support for treatment and recovery services and working to close gaps in care. I will continue to advocate for these critical resources to help those in recovery, while also pushing to get illicit and deadly drugs, like fentanyl, off our streets,” said Rep. Guthrie.

“As we see a tragic spike in opioid overdoses across the country, particularly in Pennsylvania, it's never been more urgent to address this crisis head-on,” said Rep. Wild. “I’m proud to help lead this bill to support the millions of people who are working to recover from a substance abuse problem by delivering resources, programs, and most importantly—hope—for our friends, families, and neighbors who struggle with the disease of addiction.”

“West Virginia has consistently topped the list for the highest number of opioid and fentanyl overdose deaths in the country, which has had a particularly devastating impact on families and communities throughout our state,” said Rep. McKinley. “While we’ve worked for years to address the opioid crisis, our work is not done. As the voice of my communities in West Virginia, this bill represents my continued advocacy for the significant and essential funding that it takes for substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery services. States like West Virginia continue to rely on these grants to support a comprehensive approach to help individuals facing addiction and combat the drug crisis in our state.”

The Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act of 2022:

• Reauthorizes the crucial Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act for an additional five years
• Provides for sustained investment in evidence-based programs that support individuals, families, and municipalities struggling with addiction
• Authorizes the use of block grant funds by states and municipalities for added recovery support services
• Updates services provided under the block grant to include screening and referral for treatment of viral hepatitis, in addition to existing services related to HIV and tuberculosis
• Eliminates stigmatizing language related to substance use

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