WASHINGTON, DC – Continuing the Energy and Commerce Committee’s efforts to combat the growing opioid epidemic, the House of Representatives today passed H.R. 4641, bipartisan legislation offered by committee members Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-MA). H.R. 4641 would establish an inter-agency task force to review, modify, and update best practices for pain management and how pain medication is prescribed.

Click HERE to watch Rep. Susan Brooks’ floor speech during debate on H.R. 4641.

“We will hear many more stories today about this harrowing epidemic that has touched every community in every state of our country,” said Rep. Brooks on the House floor. “An epidemic that has exploded in recent years to the point where every 12 minutes someone dies of a drug overdose. By the end of this debate, there will be five fewer people on this earth thanks to an overdose.”

“Abuse of prescription painkillers and heroin has impacted every community. It is an epidemic that has no boundaries and does not discriminate. It’s a frightening reality, but we have to face this epidemic head on, and today is an important step forward,” said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). “I commend Rep. Susan Brooks for her leadership on this important issue, and ensuring that our opioid prescribing practices are reviewed and updated.”

The House is also considering 10 suspension bills today that originated in the Energy and Commerce Committee. A full list of those bills is available here.

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