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The U.S. House of Representatives passed by voice vote the Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment Act (EFFORT Act), which supports research identifying the root causes of opioid addiction and prevents gaps in treatment. Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN) and Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) introduced the EFFORT Act (H.R. 3153) earlier in the 116^th Congress and it was passed unanimously through the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Prior to voting, Congressman Baird spoke on the House floor urging Members to support the bill. Remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3153, the “Expanding Findings for Federal Opioid Research and Treatment Act” or the “EFFORT Act.”

The opioid crisis has tragically destroyed the lives of many Hoosiers.

According to the most recent available data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in 2017 drug overdose deaths in Indiana increased by 22.5 percent from the previous year.

Indiana’s 2017 rate of overdose deaths, at over 29 people per 100,000, was significantly higher than the national average.

This epidemic does not discriminate, and we must use evidence-based policy to ensure the health and well-being of current and future generations.

The National Science Foundation’s research has increased what we know about addiction, and while this research is at the top of its class, gaps still remain in the prevention and treatment of opioid addiction.

That is why I joined my colleague Congresswoman Wexton to introduce the EFFORT Act, directing the National Science Foundation, in consultation with the National Institutes of Health, to support merit-reviewed and competitively awarded research on the science of opioid addiction.

By expanding basic research, we can promote greater collaboration and further understand how to better treat the multiple aspects of opioid addiction.

I hope we can see an end to this crisis soon and I am proud that Congress is taking action to fight back.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Background:

The EFFORT Act directs the National Science Foundation (NSF), in consultation with the National Institute of Health (NIH), to support merit-reviewed and competitively awarded research on the science of opioid addiction. To view full bill text, please click here.

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Congressman Jim Baird represents Indiana’s 4th Congressional District. A lifelong Hoosier, he serves as a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.