Opioid Crisis

Naperville, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) hosted an event on the science of opioid and heroin addiction. He was joined by a panel of experts in addiction science and treatment.

More than 50 people attended the discussion, which was held at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Several topics were discussed including the effect of opioids on brain function, new medical treatment options, and the best techniques for speaking with loved ones about addiction.

Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) led a bipartisan letter to Department of Health and Human Services. The letter encourages the Department to ensure the newly approved six-month buprenorphine implant is accessible and affordable for individuals who need treatment for opioid addiction.

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) introduced H.R. 5287 - the Medicaid Coverage for Addiction Recovery Expansion (CARE) Act – a bill that would expand access to treatment for people who are struggling to receive the addiction care they need.

This measure would help thousands of people across the country, including 2,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Illinois who receive treatment for substance abuse and addiction each year.

Aurora, IL – Last night, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) hosted a telephone town hall discussion about the growing opioid epidemic and the legislative initiatives he is working on to address it.

Over 4,000 residents of the 11^th Congressional District joined the call, and several had the opportunity to ask questions.

Washington, DC – Last night, in a unanimous vote, the House of Representatives passed the Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act, a bill that will allow for better collection of data to address the opioid epidemic.

H.R. 4982 was introduced by Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) and directs a GAO study of in-patient and out-patient addiction treatment capacity and availability in the U.S. as well as an assessment of the need for this treatment capacity.

Washington, DC – On Friday, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) took to the floor of the House to honor the memory of the thousands of Americans who have been lost to heroin and opioid addiction.

Foster has introduced legislation to combat the opioid epidemic and has led support for President's Obama's budget request of increased funding for opioid abuse prevention and treatment programs.

You can watch video of Congressman Foster's speech here.

Text of Foster's remarks is below:

Washington, D.C. – In a letter to the leaders of the House Appropriations Committee, Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL), Rep. Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA), and 99 of their Democratic House Colleagues this week requested stronger federal funding to combat the opioid addiction epidemic in Fiscal Year 2017.