House Passes Opioid Response Bill that Includes Urban Indian Organizations

On October 20, 2021, the House passed the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act of 2021 (H.R. 2379) with a 380-46 vote. This bipartisan bill introduced by Representative David Trone (D-MD-06) would authorize and expand the State Opioid Response grant program for $1.75 billion per year for fiscal years 2022 through 2027. This bill also includes a 5% set aside of the funds for Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations.

The National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH) worked with Congressional leaders to ensure the inclusion of urban Indians in this important legislative response to the Nation’s opioid crisis and has supported Rep. Trone’s bill since its introduction in early April.

The bill currently awaits action in the Senate.