Des Moines Sun

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) have introduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program (COSSUP). This program, created by the 2016 Grassley-Whitehouse Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA), supports efforts to combat opioid addiction through prevention, treatment, law enforcement initiatives, and recovery resources.

COSSUP provides support for law enforcement agencies, first responders, family courts, and drug courts in their work with people affected by substance use disorder. Between 2021 and 2022, the program enabled more than 94,000 individuals to access recovery-support services. Over 32,000 people enrolled in substance-use treatment programs during this period. Additionally, 59,000 people received training on how to use Naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

“The fight to end addiction requires a comprehensive and community-wide approach. That’s why I’m working to reauthorize the life-saving Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant and Substance Use Program, which addresses the opioid epidemic on multiple fronts,” Grassley said. “By equipping our communities with effective drug prevention and recovery resources, Congress can ensure Iowans in addiction-recovery will have the support they need to succeed.”

“Support for people battling addiction is a bipartisan priority in Congress, and there’s more to be done to build on our CARA law and support all those on the long, noble path to recovery,” Whitehouse said. “I’m partnering with Senator Grassley to push for the reauthorization of this grant program, which marks another step in the fight against an epidemic that has taken a heartbreaking toll on Rhode Islanders from all walks of life.”

The legislation has backing from 77 organizations involved in law enforcement or substance abuse prevention.