Rep. Zeldin Calls for Full Funding of CARA in FY18 Appropriations Process

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Zeldin on Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act: "It is absolutely critical that CARA is fully funded through the appropriations process for the coming year."

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NY Rep. Lee Zeldin at a House Committee hearing.

Photo by: Lee Zeldin via YouTube.

Long Island, NY - June 22, 2017 - Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), member of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, released a statement today calling for full funding of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (S. 524), or CARA, in Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations legislation.
 
CARA is a new law calling for $8.3 billion in funding over five years to help combat the heroin and opioid epidemic through community treatment, recovery, and education efforts. Some of the significant provisions of this bill include $103 million over the authorization of the bill to establish a community-based competitive grant program to address and treat the challenges associated with heroin and opioid addiction and abuse, as well as $160 million over the same period to expand existing medically assisted treatments, support newly created treatment programs, and allow pregnant women, veterans, and children to receive the specialized treatment programs they need through community based initiatives.
 
Congressman Zeldin said, “It is absolutely critical that CARA is fully funded through the appropriations process for the coming year. Drug addiction is a terrible disease which has devastated our communities, taken countless lives, and torn families apart. As one of the greatest threats facing our nation, we must explore every avenue available to take on this challenge, and I am proud to do my part in Congress. This problem is far too serious to be taken lightly, especially for many of our Long Island communities which have been dealing with the destructive consequences of heroin and opioid abuse for years. While I was proud to cosponsor and help pass this legislation last year, there is still so much more to be done. We must ensure that all of the vital community initiatives in CARA remain fully funded, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in Congress to fulfill this essential mission.”
 
The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act was signed into law on July 22, 2016. Congressman Zeldin has been a strong advocate and cosponsor of CARA, hosting two press conferences in July 2015 and May 2016, where he joined with local elected officials, community groups and concerned residents to express their support for the bill.