Washington, D.C. — Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, released the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, which now heads to the Senate for a final vote.

“Substance use disorder does not discriminate, but rather affects Americans in every neighborhood from coast to coast. Sadly, this crisis is claiming 115 lives each day. Today, the House took another step forward in our fight against this deadly crisis. After many months of research, hearings, and markups, the United States House of Representatives has passed the most comprehensive legislation to combat opioid abuse in our nation’s history.

“Throughout the drafting process, I have heard from brave Americans in recovery, too many grieving families, and many experts on the front lines of this fight. I am grateful to advocates, including North Texan Kathy O’Keefe, who have courageously shared their personal stories with Congress as we seek to end this crisis next door. H.R. 6 is for them, and I urge the Senate to follow suit so this lifesaving legislation can become the law of the land.”

As Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Dr. Burgess has led much of the House’s work to build comprehensive legislation to tackle many aspects of opioid abuse, from prevention and education to treatment and enforcement. Working with fellow Members on a bipartisan basis, Dr. Burgess presided over a Members’ Day hearing, several legislative hearings, and two markups over the last year.

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