**Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) will join Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH) as Task Force co-chair**

**The 85 member Task Force has successfully advocated for legislation to address the opioid epidemic**

[Washington, DC – Congresswoman Kuster (NH-02) and Congressman MacArthur (NJ-03) discuss the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic]

A high resolution version of this photo is available here.

Today, the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic announced that Congressman Tom MacArthur (R-NJ) would take over as co-chair of the Task Force, replacing outgoing Congressman Frank Guinta (R-NH). MacArthur will join the co-founder of the Task Force, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (D-NH), as the co-lead of the group. Founded in 2015 by Kuster and Guinta, the 85-member Task Force has been a force for action to address the opioid epidemic. In May, the Task Force successfully pushed for the passage of 18 bills in one week which became part of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). The Task Force has also held numerous hearings and briefings, both in Washington and communities impacted by addiction, to educate lawmakers about effective means to curb the crisis. 

“I’m excited to welcome Representative Tom MacArthur as co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “I also want to thank Congressman Guinta for his leadership on the Task Force and his commitment to working across the aisle to help New Hampshire address the opioid epidemic. I’m proud of what the Task Force was able to accomplish in our first year. We’ve helped pass legislation that will make a real difference for communities struggling to take on addiction. As we look to the next Congress, I’m ready to get to work with my colleagues –both Democratic and Republican – to support those on the frontlines of this crisis. I know that as our new co-chair, Congressman MacArthur is ready to join in this effort and will be a valuable member of our team.”

“The addiction crisis in America has touched so many families,” said Congressman MacArthur. “There is so much work to be done and the Task Force has made great strides to raise awareness and implement policies that will help families and individuals struggling with recovery and treatment. New Jersey’s heroin overdose rate is triple the soaring U.S. rate, and we have to do everything we can to fight this epidemic together in a meaningful, bipartisan way. Thank you to Congressman Guinta and Congresswoman Kuster for leading the charge on this national crisis – I know we will have a productive partnership as we look toward the New Year. We are all united behind the need to take strong, effective, immediate action on this crisis. Bottom line, these families deserve our support and we are here to help.”

"Our Bipartisan Task Force has had enormous success passing critical legislation to help solve the country's heroin and opioid epidemic and will surely have more in the next Congress under the leadership of Representatives Kuster and MacArthur, whom I congratulate,” said Congressman Guinta. “I expect even greater successes in the future, as Republicans and Democrats, working together, improve prevention, treatment and recovery programs, as well as law enforcement, to save more lives."