WASHINGTON, DC- In response to President Trump’s recent announcement on opioids, Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) stressed his support for strengthening criminal penalties for dealing and trafficking in fentanyl and other opioids. Reed’s legislation, the Help Ensure Lives are Protected (HELP) Act, would accomplish this objective.
“Victims of overdose and their loved ones deserve justice. The opioid epidemic is plaguing our communities and killing far too many of our young people. The HELP act will give the law enforcement community more authority and new options to put a stop to this problem,” Reed stated.
The HELP Act, would allow federal prosecutors access to more severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases. The penalties would apply in the event prosecutors connect an overdose death to the drug dealer that sold heroin laced with fentanyl.
“We have to have a comprehensive solution to the opioid addiction epidemic. This is why I supported 21st Century Cures which provided over a billion dollars of federal grants and funding for CARA. This legislation will assist states and local communities through prevention and treatment services to combat this tragedy head on.”
Information regarding other legislation mentioned:
The 21st Century Cures
- It was signed into law December 2016
- Established $1 Billion over two years for grants to states to supplement opioid abuse prevention and treatment activities
- It was signed into law July 2016
- Directs $103 Million to implement the following programs:
- Drug Courts
- Veterans Treatment Courts
- Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
- Prescription Drug Monitoring
- Mentally Ill Offender Act
