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Pappas Votes to Prevent Government Shutdown, Extend His Bipartisan Fentanyl Scheduling Legislation

December 2, 2021

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued the following statement after voting for a Continuing Resolution to keep the United States government open and extending his bipartisan fentanyl scheduling legislation:

"Today I voted to keep our government open by supporting the continuing resolution," said Congressman Pappas. "I urge the Senate to act as soon as possible to ensure we fund vital services, pay federal workers, and prevent any possibility of a government shutdown."

"I'm pleased this continuing resolution will also extend bipartisan legislation I led to get deadly substances like fentanyl out of our communities. Synthetic opioids continue to take the lives of our family members, friends, and neighbors at alarming rates, and I remain committed to working across the aisle, with health and public safety experts, and with members of our law enforcement to craft a response that will ensure our communities remain safe."

Background:

In May 2021, President Biden signed into law legislation introduced by Pappas in April 2021 to extend the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) temporary order to keep fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to ensure law enforcement can keep them off the streets. This is a designation used for substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. The continuing resolution passed in September 2021 extended this legislation through January 28, 2022.

Also in May 2021, Pappas introduced the bipartisan Federal Initiative to Guarantee Health by Targeting (FIGHT) Fentanyl Act alongside Rep. Vern Buchanan (FL-16) to help keep deadly synthetic drugs off the streets by placing fentanyl-related substances permanently on the Schedule I list.

In April 2021, Pappas introduced the Synthetic Opioid Danger Awareness Act alongside Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03) which would require the CDC, OSHA and other federal agencies to direct public awareness campaigns and training for first responders about the dangers of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

In November 2020, Pappas voted to pass, H.R. 7990, the Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting Results Act, or FENTANYL Results Act, which would prioritize efforts of the Department of State to combat international trafficking via increased collaboration with the international community through shared anti-trafficking initiatives and capacity-building measures.

In November 2020, Pappas voted to pass H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act Of 2020, which Pappas co-sponsored. This legislation reauthorizes through FY2024 the State Opioid Response Grants program which is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program works to address the opioid crisis by increasing access to medication-assisted treatment and supports evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to address stimulant misuse and use disorders, including for cocaine and methamphetamine.

In March 2020, Pappas joined the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in announcing $28 million in federal funding to combat the opioid and substance misuse epidemic. Pappas also voted to pass H.R. 7617, the second annual appropriations package, which funds a range of critical national priorities, including the fight against the addiction epidemic in our communities. The legislation includes several key provisions introduced by Pappas, including an amendment he passed with Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03) to increase funding for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers.