Barr Statement on Enactment of Historic Opioid Package

Legislation includes Barr's bill to address the decline in workforce participation as a result of the opioid epidemic.

October 24, 2018

In response to the devastating impacts of the nation’s opioid crisis, which took the lives of more than 1,500 Kentuckians last year, President Donald Trump today signed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This bill will strengthen our communities’ response to this epidemic by promoting prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives for individuals and families struggling with addiction and substance abuse.

This historic legislative package included Congressman Barr’s legislation, the CAREER Act, which addresses the decline in workforce participation as a result of the opioid epidemic by encouraging local businesses and treatment centers to form partnerships to secure job training, employment, and housing options for individuals in recovery.

Congressman Andy Barr (KY-06) issued the following statement following the President’s signature of H.R. 6:

“In 2018 alone, more than 2 million Americans will suffer from addiction to opioids and Kentucky is on the frontlines of this crisis,” said Congressman Barr. “After months of bipartisan work, this critical legislation marks the most significant action against a drug crisis in history and will provide Kentucky with the tools needed to prevent the flow of illegal drugs into our communities, enhance prescription drug monitoring programs to address the high prescribing rates, and improve local prevention and treatment initiatives.”

“I was proud this legislation included my bill to empower individuals to rise above addiction by transitioning back into the workforce through stable transitional housing and job training. Intended to bolster recovery services, this legislation was inspired by the work of many successful transitional housing models in the Sixth District. Kentucky families, law enforcement and local officials are looking to us for answers and this legislation delivers much needed support to devastated communities across Kentucky to undoubtedly save lives in the future.”

With overwhelming bipartisan support, Congressman Barr voted in favor of this historic package on September 28, 2018 and it passed the Senate on October 3, 2018.