H.R. 5891, Improving the Federal Response to Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder Act

Floor Situation

On Wednesday, June 12, 2018, the House will consider H.R.5891, Improving the Federal Response to Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder Act, under suspension of the rules. The bill was introduced on May 21, 2018, by Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and was referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

 Summary

H.R. 5891 establishes an interagency task force to develop a strategy on how federal agencies can implement a coordinated approach to responding to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on the existing programs that support infants, children, and their families. The task force will be led by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and will include the Departments of Education, Agriculture, and Labor. Additionally, the task force will solicit input from local entities and individuals on the frontlines in order to inform the aforementioned strategy.

The task force will also recommend opportunities for local- and state-level partnerships, professional development, and best practices, and consider evidence-based initiatives related to prevention, whole-family and multi-generational approaches, and community-based projects. A detailed action plan will be provided to Congress on how the agencies plan to implement their strategy and will include an identification of any recommendations that require legislative authority to implement.

Background

Over the last several years, there has been growing concern among the public and lawmakers in the United States about rising drug overdose deaths. Many federal agencies are involved in efforts to combat opioid abuse. The primary agency supporting drug treatment and prevention is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under HHS, but the federal government has several programs that may be used, or are specifically designed, to address opioid abuse.[1]

The Committee on Education and the Workforce has noted, “As more federal agencies have become engaged in this issue, from providing funding to offering guidance to state and local officials, it is imperative these activities are coordinated so that governors and local officials are better able to fight this epidemic in their communities.”[2]

According to the bill sponsor, “It [is] clear that better coordination is needed between federal agencies and local communities. Communities can better address the crisis if they know what works and what doesn’t. That is why I am proposing we establish a federal task-force that brings together experts from across the spectrum to fight opioid abuse and reduce overdose deaths, which have increased 700 percent from 2013 to 2016.”

Cost

A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) cost estimate is not currently available.

Staff Contact

For questions or further information please contact John Huston with the House Republican Policy Committee by email or at 6-5539.