This week the House continued consideration of numerous bills to combat opioid abuse across the country.  Today, its efforts culminated in the passage of H.R. 6, the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act.  This bill passed the House by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 396 – 14 and included provisions from over 50 opioid bills that previously passed the House.  As an original cosponsor of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, I endorsed this bill due to my firm belief in the importance of combating the opioid scourge wreaking havoc across the country.  It builds on the groundwork laid with the 21st Century Cures Act and the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act passed last Congress.  Furthermore, it takes a fiscally responsible and comprehensive approach, providing agencies and communities with the guidance and resources necessary to advance this fight on the front lines.

Immigration

Wednesday, President Trump signed an executive order to end the separation of families at the border.  While it is vital that we enforce our nation’s laws, we should do so, if possible, without separating families.  The administration’s action provides sound policy by directing the Attorney General to keep families united under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security while continuing to fully prosecute those who cross the border illegally.

Farm Bill Passes the House

Thursday, the House passed the Farm Bill which reauthorizes USDA programs and the food stamp program (SNAP) through 2023.  The bill also includes much-needed workforce development provisions that I was pleased to support.  Due to ineffective social safety net policies, the number of SNAP recipients has nearly tripled to 42 million over the past 17 years in spite of excellent employment levels.  By coupling work requirements with guaranteed access to state workforce development programs, I believe these reforms will effectively empower able-bodied Americans with untapped potential to move toward self-sufficiency.  For those unable to work, it preserves necessary exemptions from the new requirements.

North Carolinians in the Capitol

Every week I meet with many different constituents, industries and non-profits who bring their concerns to my Washington D.C. office.  Here is a snapshot from this week.

Competitive Carriers Association

On June 22, 1944, the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act or ‘GI Bill’ was signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.  This historically important initiative supported veterans with a number of benefits including compensation for post-secondary education.  In the first 5 years, the program served nearly 9 million veterans returning from WWII and has been reformed to continue meeting the needs of our nation’s veterans since.

What’s Coming Up?

Next week, the House will continue its Constitutional duty of funding the government by continuing to debate one of our most important appropriations bills – the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019.  This legislation ensures that our nation’s warfighters continue to have the education, resources and benefits they need.