Pallone Unveils Comprehensive Legislation to

Address Substance Abuse Crisis

Bill Commits $500 Million Annually to Help Patients in All Stages of Prescription Opioid & Heroin Dependence

Press Release 1/21/16

NEW BRUNSWICK – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), who serves as the Ranking Member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, unveiled comprehensive legislation to address the substance abuse crisis plaguing far too many communities in New Jersey and across the country.  Pallone held a press conference at the Damon House in New Brunswick to discuss his bill, the Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Reduction Act, which will commit $500 million annually to help individuals at all stages of crisis, specifically those suffering from prescription opioid and heroin dependence.

This epidemic affects families from all walks of life and unfortunately, has become personal for too many New Jersey families that have been impacted by addiction or lost loved ones to an overdose,” said Pallone.  “My comprehensive bill will tackle the substance abuse crisis we are now facing by providing significant funding for critical treatment and recovery programs.  New resources will help to reach those who have fallen through the cracks before it is too late and also provide support to those on a path to recovery.”

The Heroin and Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Reduction Act has four core elements:

1) Preventing the onset of substance abuse,

2) Responding to those already in crisis,

3) Ensuring access to treatment for all patients, and

4) Supporting life-long recovery from addiction

The legislation sets guidelines requiring those prescribing opioids to undergo critical training; helps to improve a provider’s ability to diagnose addiction; provides funding for state and local governments and community organizations to train first responders, physicians, pharmacists, and the public to respond quickly and effectively to prevent overdoses; and makes naloxone, a safe and effective antidote to overdoses, more affordable.

Pallone noted that the bill also expands evidence-based treatment, including access to medication-assisted treatment; funds syringe exchange programs that often offer a path to treatment and decrease the spread of infectious disease; provides critical resources to communities that recognize a new heroin or opioid outbreak in order to combat addiction swiftly; and creates a new grant program to fund the work done by recovery schools and collegiate recovery programs like the Raymond J. Lesniak Recovery School and the Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance program (ADAP) at Rutgers University in New Jersey.

“These initiatives are critical for saving lives, and we are grateful to Congressman Pallone for his leadership in helping to ensure that evidence-based treatment and ongoing recovery support are readily available for everyone in need,” said Debra Wentz, President and CEO of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies.

“We appreciate Congressman Pallone’s support and applaud his call for additional resources for both national and statewide efforts to address the epidemic of prescription opioid and heroin dependence,” said Lisa Laitman, director of the Rutgers Alcohol and Drug Assistance Program.  “His particular focus in New Jersey on providing adolescents and young adult access to evidenced-based treatment and recovery support is much needed in light of the toll this epidemic has taken on our young people in New Jersey.”

Pallone, Lawmakers, and Military Leaders Honor NJ World War II Veteran with 

Distinguished Medals

Press Release 1/21/16

MORGANVILLE – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-6), along with Assemblywoman Amy Handlin and Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon,  presented World War II veteran Joseph Zakalyk with eight distinguished honors for his achievements in the United States Army Air Forces and service to his country.  Mr. Zakalyk, who is now 94 years old, served during World War II as an aerial photographer and gunner in the 745th Bombardment Squadron, 456th Bombardment Group, Fifteenth Air Force, successfully participating in 35 combat missions.

“This is a long overdue recognition of Joseph’s exceptional bravery and sacrifices while serving during World War II,” said Congressman Pallone.  “I feel privileged to have played a role in helping recognize Joseph’s distinguished service to our country and present him with the honors he has earned.”

Congressman Pallone’s office was able to secure for Mr. Zakalyk the Air Medal & Oak Leaf Cluster Bronze Large, Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & Silver Star Attachment, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII, Sharpshooter Badge & Carbine Bar, and a Certificate of Recognition from the United States Army.

The ceremony was hosted by the InfoAge Science History Learning Center and the World War II Era Studies Institute.  Pallone and lawmakers offered remarks on Mr. Zakalyk’s distinguished service and Colonel William Peace, a Commander in the New Jersey National Guard, delivered the keynote address.

Pallone Statement on President’s Executive 

Order on Common-Sense Gun Safety

Press Release 1/5/16

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) made the following statement on President Obama’s Executive Order to require small-scale gun sellers to get federal licenses, among other provisions:

“President Obama’s bold action today is a welcome, overdue, and necessary move to make our nation safer.  For too long, Republicans in Congress have blocked any and all meaningful action on gun safety – and lives have been lost.  I applaud the President for acting in the interest of the vast majority of the country.  While we shouldn’t need additional motivation to put an end to gun violence, the President’s executive order is a meaningful and encouraging step forward and it fuels my commitment to continue the fight for common-sense, lifesaving gun control legislation.”