House passed final version of opioid package

House passed final version of opioid package
Thornberry authored SALTS provisions included

WASHINGTON- The House passed the final version of H.R. 6, “SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act” by a vote of 393-8.This bill combats illicit and synthetic drugs crossing the borders, encourages the development of new non-addictive painkillers, improves prescription drug monitoring, and continues to fight the opioid crisis in our country.

This bill also includes provisions authored by Congressman Thornberry that mirrors the “Synthetic Abuse and Labeling of Toxic Substances (SALTS) Act,” which he introduced again earlier this year. The SALTS provisions update the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) to specify factors to be considered in determining whether a controlled substance was intended for human consumption. Currently, synthetic drug producers, manufacturers, and sellers can easily skirt regulations by simply adding a “not for human consumption” label on their product. Law enforcement and health officials are able to prosecute the sale of similar drugs and substances, but the law does not cover substances with that label.These provisions close that loophole.

“Opioids and synthetic drugs are a growing problem in our country, a problem that cannot be ignored,” said Thornberry. “Pain management is leading to life-threatening addictions. This legislation helps law enforcement and health officials keep up with the changing formulas and this growing crisis.”

Thornberry has held roundtables with local law enforcement, educators, and public health and medical officials in our area to discuss the problem and possible federal action. His provisions were a result of those meetings.

Thornberry also said, “Our country is facing an epidemic, one that affects us at home. I have spoken with local leaders about increasing awareness of these synthetic drugs, which really are just poisons. A big part of the problem is that young people and parents are not aware of their serious side effects.These drugs invoke dangerous behavior and cause irreparable damage to the health of those who ingest them.”