The White House has criticized the budget proposal put forth by the Republican Study Committee (RSC), expressing concerns that it could result in cuts to programs aimed at addressing the opioid crisis.
In a newly released fact sheet, obtained by The Hill, the White House outlines how the RSC plan would slash the nondefense budget by approximately 30 percent, potentially impacting funding for states’ efforts to combat the overdose epidemic. The RSC’s budget proposal, which represents nearly 80 percent of House Republicans, was made known last month.
The fact sheet from the White House underscores that the RSC plan would reduce funding for State Opioid Response Grants, a vital source of federal assistance for states and territories in their fight against the opioid epidemic.
The White House (Credits: Britannica)
These grants support initiatives to enhance access to medications for treating opioid use disorder and to bolster support services for substance use disorder.
House Republicans are Proposing to Rip Away Life-saving Treatment
“At a time when more than 27 million Americans had a drug use disorder in 2022, and when we are losing one American to drug overdose every five minutes, House Republicans are proposing to rip away life-saving treatment for opioid use disorder,” the fact sheet states.
Since 2018, states have utilized funds from the State Opioid Response Grants to acquire approximately 10 million overdose reversal medication kits and to reverse over 550,000 overdoses, according to the White House.
President Joe Biden (Credits: PBS)
The fact sheet provides a state-by-state breakdown of the potential impact of the 30 percent non-defense budget cut on opioid crisis assistance.
It estimates that in fiscal 2025, approximately 38,771 fewer individuals grappling with the opioid crisis will receive help. Known reductions are projected in California, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Additionally, the White House has criticized the RSC budget proposal for endorsing the Life at Conception Act, which aims to provide protections for unborn humans. Democrats argue that this legislation could jeopardize access to in vitro fertilization.
President Biden’s reelection campaign also condemned the budget proposal for suggesting an increase in the retirement age for individuals not close to retirement, citing adjustments for increases in life expectancy.
