May 2, 2016
Showing independence from the Senate, the US House of Representatives moved 15 pieces of legislation in the past few days. The legislation is designed to address the opioid crisis and other addiction related issues. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) was NOT one of the 15 considered.
The House decided to work on legislation drafted by House Members first. Given that we are closing in on 200 co-sponsors in the Housed (it takes 218 to pass any bill), consideration of CARA is considered likely at some point. We anticipate that the 15 separate bills will be folded into a larger more comprehensive bill.
The House passed legislation could then be sent to a House/Senate conference committee where differences would be worked out.
Leaders in the House indicated that they would like to have a final product passed by Congress and sent to the President by July 4th.
The National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers will continue to follow these developments and advocate on behalf of the treatment field.
