February 3, 2024

Dear Friends,

Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve been a leader in the effort to deliver commonsense solutions to the crisis of addiction. Even as we’ve celebrated groundbreaking successes in this space, I’ve maintained a laser focus on breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking addiction treatment, so that when someone struggling with the disease of addiction reaches out for help, we have a medical system ready to welcome them with open arms. Over the last decade, I’ve been proud to work alongside national advocacy organizations, local community coalitions, and colleagues from both sides of the aisle to enact powerful, compassionate legislation that seeks to finish the job and end our national overdose epidemic once and for all.

As part of my work combating the disease of addiction, I’ve been honored to serve as Co-Chair of the bipartisan Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery (ATR) Caucus on Capitol Hill. Made up of more than 75 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle, the ATR Caucus has spent 20 years raising awareness about addiction among lawmakers and building legislative support to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services nationwide. This week, I was proud to lead my colleagues from the ATR Caucus on a visit to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and its innovative Striving to Achieve Recovery (STAR) Program, where we learned more about available treatment and recovery resources and about the particular challenges facing incarcerated individuals who suffer from addiction.

Too often, our justice system acts as a revolving door for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. More than half of people in state prisons and two thirds of those incarcerated in jails have substance use disorder (SUD), and a lack of effective treatment options in correctional facilities leaves many of these individuals ill-prepared to return home to their families and communities. In fact, studies show that people leaving jails and prisons are roughly 129 times more likely than the general population to die of an overdose in the first two weeks after their release.

That horrifying statistic inspired me to introduce the Reentry Act, bipartisan legislation that empowers states to restore access to healthcare through Medicaid, including addiction and mental health treatment, for incarcerated individuals up to 30 days before their release. As my colleagues and I toured the STAR Program and spoke directly with experts, law enforcement, and incarcerated individuals, I was struck anew by the positive impact programs like this one have on those in our justice system, their families, and our communities. I’m hopeful that the STAR Program will serve as a national model as I continue to fight for this legislation that will keep more families whole and deliver critical care to those who need it most.

On Wednesday, I was honored to join the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) to speak about my efforts in the battle against addiction. I had the chance to discuss some of our recent legislative successes, including the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act, which made it easier for providers to prescribe proven treatments for those suffering from opioid use disorder, and the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services Block Grant Act, which provided for a five year reauthorization of a crucial funding stream that ensures sustained investment in programs that help states, communities, and families battle addiction.

At the forum, I also highlighted the need to deliver robust funding for the Drug-Free Communities Support Program, which provides grants to local coalitions that mobilize their communities to prevent youth substance use. Community buy-in and local expertise are critical to our work combating addiction, and I’ve been proud in recent years to work alongside local organizations like the Niskayuna Community Action Program and the Troy Drug Free Coalition. I’m grateful to have such incredible partners here in our Capital Region as we continue this lifesaving effort.

Congress must work together to bring forth evidence-based solutions that protect the millions of Americans still struggling with the disease of addiction. We cannot afford to dodge this hard work, as some extremist Republicans have, by fearmongering baselessly about the relationship between desperate asylum-seekers and drug traffickers. We owe it to our constituents to put aside the political stunts and get serious about delivering the lifesaving care they need. Going forward, I’m committed to doing everything in my power to combat this crisis, and I urge my colleagues in Congress to do the same. Our communities deserve nothing less.

As always, thank you for reading.

Your friend,

DID YOU KNOW?

My office and I are working to make sure you remain informed with the latest updates and recommendations from federal agencies. With that in mind, here is some information that may be of interest to you:

• With winter in full swing, cold temperatures are forcing households to turn up the heat, increasing energy bills at a time when many families are already stretching their budgets thin.
• But there’s good news: cost-saving benefits from the Inflation Reduction Act are available right now, including:
  • 30% back for the cost of many clean energy upgrades to your home, including solar panels, water heaters, and battery storage, no matter the price.
  • Up to $1,200 to add insulation, install new exterior windows and doors, or other improvements that increase the energy efficiency of your home.
  • Up to $2,000 to install a new heat pump (which can provide efficient air conditioning and heating) or a new heat-pump water heater.
  • 30% off the cost of installing a new electric vehicle charger if you live in a rural or underserved community.
• You can visit this website to see a full list of IRA benefits and find out which are currently available to best assist you and your household!