Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, voted in favor of legislation in the House of Representatives that would put forward over $5 billion in funding to combat the opioid epidemic. Kuster has long advocated for robust funding to tackle this serious public health crisis.

“The legislation we advanced today demonstrates our strong commitment to continuing to combat the opioid and substance use epidemic in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Kuster. “I’m pleased that we’ve been able to come together in a bipartisan way in both the House and Senate to advance this funding that will make a real difference in the fight against the disease of addiction by bolstering treatment and recovery services and supporting law enforcement and interdiction efforts. While we have taken important steps towards stemming the tide of the opioid epidemic, there is much work that remains. I will continue to work with my colleagues to advocate on behalf of New Hampshire and deliver real results for our state and nation.”

 The new federal spending bill provides over $5 billion in funding for the opioid epidemic, including investments to implement the SUPPORT Act, which Rep. Kuster cosponsored last Congress. Importantly, this bill provides $1.5 billion in flexible funding for the State Opioid Response grants, allowing providers to access these grants for opioids and other substance use disorder involving stimulants. This was a key provision of the Turn the Tide Act, which Rep. Kuster introduced as a companion to Senator Shaheen’s legislation in September.

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