**Kuster’s full remarks are available HERE, the full Subcommittee hearing is available HERE**

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), a Member of the prominent Energy and Commerce Committee, participated in a Health Subcommittee hearing called, “Lives Worth Living.” During her remarks, Kuster stressed the need for common-sense, bipartisan action to address the fentanyl crisis. Kuster’s legislation, the STOP Fentanyl Act, would secure improved surveillance, data collection, and harm reduction policies.

“Every life lost to fentanyl is a tragedy – we must do more to stop the flow of these dangerous drugs into our communities, hold illicit distributors accountable, and expand access to life-saving treatment,” said Kuster. “That’s why I introduced the STOP Fentanyl Act. This bipartisan bill would enhance fentanyl surveillance and empower officials at the state, local, and federal levels to increase fentanyl identification and reporting. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation to address this crisis and save lives.”

“I also want to give a special thanks to Jon DeLena for joining as a witness today,” Kuster continued. “I had the honor of working with Mr. DeLena on these issues in our home state of New Hampshire and look forward to curbing the fentanyl crisis across the country.”

Kuster is the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force and has been an outspoken leader in tackling the fentanyl and substance-use disorder crisis. Kuster’s STOP Fentanyl Act would address the complex national security, criminal justice, and public health implications the fentanyl crisis has on all aspects of our communities. Specifically, this bill would expand fentanyl research and education, enhance overdose prevention, support substance use disorder treatment programs, and provide public health data and training.  

###