**The Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force’s 2021 Legislative Agenda is a slate of bills endorsed by members from both parties to address the addiction epidemic**

Washington, D.C. — Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Annie Kuster (D-NH), David Trone (D-MD), and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA), co-chairs of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, applauded yesterday's House passage of comprehensive mental health and addiction legislation including bills from their 2021 Legislative Agenda. The Task Force has been advancing legislation to expand access to treatment, invest in mental health resources, and stop the flow of illicit drugs into our communities.

“As we continue to grapple with the mental health crisis plaguing our nation, we must address the significant disparities in access to and resources for treatment and recovery,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “This bipartisan legislation is essential for expanding these resources for those currently struggling with mental and behavioral health issues. I am pleased to support this package and will continue to work alongside my fellow Co-Chairs to see that it is promptly passed by the Senate and signed into law.”

“I am glad to see the House pass a comprehensive and bipartisan slate of bills to address the addiction and mental health crises in our country,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “Our Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force has been working tirelessly, talking to community leaders and law enforcement officials to stop the scourge of addiction in our communities and expand access to treatment and recovery resources. This package of legislation will help our country and our communities, and I urge the Senate to take immediate action to get this done.”

“This is one of the greatest crises we’ve ever faced as a nation — and Congress’ duty is crystal clear: our fellow Americans, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities, are counting on us to deliver common sense, bipartisan solutions,” said Congressman David Trone. “The Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022, which includes six of my bills and many others from our Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, serves as the first step in a long and continuing journey to solve these issues. Today, I proudly cast my vote to pass this measure and help save countless lives. The Senate must move quickly to get this legislation to the President’s desk.”

“Mental health and substance use issues continue to profoundly impact communities in my district of Southwest Washington and across our nation,” Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler said. “As co-chairs of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, we’ve teamed up to press for commonsense solutions to support individuals and promote mental health. I’m pleased the House today took action and advanced bipartisan legislation our Task Force has worked on that will extend life-saving addiction treatment and mental health resources for folks across our country.”

Bipartisan bills from the Task Force’s 2021 Legislative Agenda that were included in H.R. 7666 are:

• H.R. 2929 – Virtual Peer Support Act, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03)
• H.R. 1384- Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act of 2021, Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-20)
• H.R. 2067- MATE Act of 2021, Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03)
• H.R. 2376– Excellence in Recovery Housing Act, Rep. David Trone (MD-06)
• H.R. 2379, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021, Rep. David Trone (D-MD-06) 
• H.R. 1385 - Behavioral Health Coordination and Communication Act, Rep. David Trone (MD-06)  
• H.R.5218 - Collaborate in an Orderly and Cohesive Manner (COCM) Act, Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-7)
• H.R.4244 - STOP Stigma Act, Rep. David Trone (MD-06)
• H.R.3753 - Parity Implementation Assistance Act, Rep. Tony Cardenas (CA-29)

The Task Force’s full 2021 Legislative Agenda is available HERE.

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