Scott Secures Provisions in Final Comprehensive Opioid Package

WASHINGTON— Today, the United States Senate passed a bipartisan package of  legislation dealing with the opioid crisis in America, including important provisions introduced by Senator Tim Scott (R-SC). Senator Scott released the statement below following its passage:

“In the mess that is Washington, it comes to no surprise that the word bipartisanship has become taboo. That is not the case today. I am pleased to have secured two important provisions dealing with family reunification and residential treatment as our bipartisan package to fight the opioid epidemic heads to the President’s desk.

For far too long, we have let the scourge of the opioid epidemic silently plague our families and communities—the essential building blocks to a flourishing society. While this is a step in the right direction to combat the epidemic, we must continue to do everything we can to encourage families and individuals to speak up and seek help.”

Below are the two Scott bills passed in the landmark opioid legislative package: 

• The Supporting Family-Focused Residential Treatment Act (S. 2924): This bill calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop guidance for states on potential avenues for family-focused residential treatment programs and substance use disorder programs that allow children to remain with their parents or guardians during treatment. Read the bill here.
• The Improving Recovery and Reunifying Families Act (S. 2926): This bill would provide support and evaluation to projects using recovery coaching to help reunify families and protect children through HHS. Read the bill here.

Senator Scott is also a cosponsor of the STOP Act of 2018 (S. 3057). This provision creates new requirements for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) regarding the transmittal of Advance Electronic Data to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in addition to calling for enhanced coordination efforts between the USPS and CBP, in order to better secure international mail and curb shipments of illicit substances. Read the bill here.

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