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D.C. Update – November 21, 2014
News from NASADAD
- NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of overdose legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)
- NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of IMD legislation by Representative Fudge (D-OH)
- NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on opioid use during pregnancy
- NASADAD signs on to a letter recognizing the importance of federal research funding
News from the States
- OhioMHAS releases November e-update
Around the Agencies
- Medicaid.gov expands and improves
Upcoming Events
- November 24th: Webinar on HIV and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace
- December 9th: Webinar on screening and assessment for family engagement and retention
News from NASADAD
NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of overdose legislation by Senator Markey (D-MA)
The legislation, the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2014, S. 2092, was introduced by Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) and co-sponsored by Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), and Tim Kaine (D-VA). The legislation would extend civil liability protections to health care professionals who provide or prescribe naloxone, to individuals who distribute naloxone from an overdose prevention program, and to individuals who administer naloxone. State laws that are inconsistent with the above mentioned civil liability protections would be preempted, though State laws that provide additional protections would not. The legislation also provides a mechanism for States to opt out of its provisions.
NASADAD releases section-by-section analysis of IMD legislation by Representative Fudge (D-OH)
The legislation, the Breaking Addiction Act of 2014, H.R. 5136, was introduced by Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) and originally co-sponsored by Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), and Yvette Clarke (D-NY). The legislation would expand community treatment options by creating a 5-year demonstration project waiving the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD) Exclusion for those suffering from substance abuse. The IMD Exclusion originated in the 1965 Medicaid statute and was originally created so that patients receiving long-term, residential mental health services at a State psychiatric hospital would not be eligible to receive Medicaid coverage for that treatment. Substance use disorder treatment has been included in subsequent enacting legislation, thereby banning Medicaid reimbursement for residential treatment centers with more than 16 beds, which constitute a significant proportion of all residential treatment providers for substance use disorders. This makes it difficult for Medicaid beneficiaries to receive the residential substance use treatment services they need. When the pilot is completed, the bill directs the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to prepare a report to evaluate the impact of the program on a range of health care issues including costs, access to care, re-admissions, and emergency care.
NASADAD attends Capitol Hill briefing on opioid use during pregnancy
Shalini Wickramatilake-Templeman, Research Analyst attended the briefing, “Drug Exposure in Mothers and Newborns: Addressing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome,” hosted by the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation (MDBDF) on November 19th. The briefing featured remarks by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH) and Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA) who co-sponsored the Coordinated Recovery Initiative for Babies (CRIB) Act which was introduced in June and seeks to increase research at the federal level on neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), including identification, treatment, and surveillance. Jennifer Conklin from Sen. Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) office also provided remarks about a similar piece of legislation the Senator introduced called the Protecting Our Infants Act. Jessica Young of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) gave an overview of NAS and the negative effects of punitive measures against pregnant women who use opioids, both medically and non-medically. Dr. Cecilia Spitznas of the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) presented on ONDCP efforts related to NAS and Dr. Mark Hudak of the American Academy of Pediatrics provided an overview of the current body of research on NAS, including variability in symptoms and treatment options.
NASADAD signs on to a letter recognizing the importance of federal research funding
NASADAD was one of over 300 groups that signed on to a letter urging Congress to prioritize fiscal year 2015 budget appropriation legislation. The letter, published on November 12th, 2014, was put together by the Ad Hoc Group for Medical Research and expressed the importance of bipartisan action to pass final, omnibus spending legislation by the end of the year. The omnibus, the group writes, should include appropriations that restore funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to pre-sequestration levels. The group mentioned the importance of the research conducted and funded by NIH, and wrote that only through restored funding could NIH continue their record of excellence. NASADAD priority programs with NIH include the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
News from the States
OhioMHAS releases November e-update
The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) has released their November 2014 e-Update. The update includes a series of stories detailing Ohio’s progress in addiction and mental health services, beginning with a $10 million increase in funding for addiction recovery housing. Additionally, the update discusses the recent grant awarded to the University of Cincinnati to continue combating Hepatitis C among needle users. Finally, the update provides links to research publications, recent studies, and national news.
Around the Agencies
Medicaid.gov expands and improves
In time for the 2015 open enrollment period, Medicaid.gov has announced several improvements to the Medicaid website. The improved website is more streamlined, modern, and accessible. This means that consumer resources are more easily available through a Consumer Action page. Additionally, the Medicaid Moving Forward section has been remodeled to provide information about both Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This section is coupled with expanded Medicaid and CHIP profiles for each state.
Upcoming Events
November 24th: Webinar on HIV and enrollment in the health insurance marketplace
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will host a webinar on Monday, November 24th, 2014 from 2:00-2:45pm EST. The webinar, titled “Toward an AIDS-free Generation: Healthcare Outreach and Enrollment for People Living with HIV,” will discuss the critical relationship between the 2015 open enrollment period and the needs of the HIV community. This webinar, designed for service providers and community-based organizations, will also focus on the role of the Affordable Care Act in implementing the National HIV/AIDS Strategy and Viral Hepatitis Action Plan.
December 9th: Webinar on screening and assessment for family engagement and retention
The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network will host a webinar on Tuesday, December 9th, 2014 from 1:00-2:30pm EST. The webinar will focus on effective strategies and practices for working with families with substance use disorders. This is the second webinar that will focus on screening and assessment targeted towards family engagement and retention. It will also explore effective methods of substance abuse treatment for parents at both a practice and systems level. Panelists will discuss the importance of expanding collaboration between States and stakeholders.
Opioid Overdose Reduction Act of 2014, S. 2092: A Section-by-Section Analysis
Breaking Addiction Act of 2014, H.R. 5136: A Section-by-Section Analysis
Letter of Support to VT Governor Peter Shumlin (January 2014)
Letter of Support to NJ Governor Chris Christie (November 2014)
D.C. Update – November 14, 2014
News from NASADAD
- NASADAD thanks NJ Governor Christie for his work to combat substance abuse
- NASADAD attends SAMHSA listening session on State-certified behavioral health clinics
- NASADAD attends briefing on 2015 health insurance open enrollment
News from the States
- National Governors Association Policy Academy resources are available online
Around the Agencies
- EDC receives $11 million to continue efforts to reduce substance abuse
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on tobacco use among middle and high school students
- NIAAA releases guidance on treatment options for alcohol use disorders
- IOM Committee recommends measures for social determinants of health in meaningful use criteria for electronic health records
In the News
- States with casino gambling expand addiction programs
Upcoming Events
- National Council on Aging to host webinar on older adult mental health
- Network for Public Health Law announces alcohol policy webinar
News from NASADAD
NASADAD thanks NJ Governor Christie for his work to combat substance abuse
NASADAD sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on November 3rd, 2014 acknowledging him for his work related to substance use disorders. Over the past two years, 37 States have reported increases in prescription opioid and heroin addiction. 27 States reported increases in fatal overdoses, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 46 Americans die from prescription drug overdose every day. In addition to improving access to treatment and recovery services, Governor Christie has been outspoken in pushing back the stigma surrounding substance abuse disorders. NASADAD also gave special mention to Ms. Lynn Kovich, Assistant Commissioner of New Jersey’s Department of Human Services who serves as the NASADAD member for the State. Ms. Kovich’s expertise and leadership are greatly appreciated, and NASADAD is eager to make progress through this partnership. NASADAD sent a similar letter to Vermont Governor Shumlin, recognizing him for his leadership after he dedicated his State of the State address to substance use disorder issues.
NASADAD attends SAMHSA listening session on State-certified behavioral health clinics
Rick Harwood, Deputy Executive Director/Director of Research and Program Applications attended the event and Colleen Haller, Public Policy Associate participated in the web conference. In March of this year, Congress passed the Protecting Access to Medicare Act that among other provisions, created a demonstration program to establish certified community behavioral health clinics that expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services and enhance Medicaid reimbursement for such services. Certification criteria must be published by September, 2015, with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) taking the lead. SAMHSA held a listening session on November 12th to seek public and stakeholder input on the criteria. SAMHSA welcomed comments on quality and other reporting, scope of services, staffing, accessibility and availability of services, care coordination, and organizational authority. Rick Harwood provided comments from NASADAD that discussed the services that providers should be able to provide, including appropriate screening, assessment, brief interventions, provision of evidence-based outpatient substance use disorder treatment services, and the ability to prescribe and manage FDA-approved medications for medication-assisted treatment, among other recommendations. Written comments may be submitted to SAMHSA through 5 pm EST on November 26th.
NASADAD attends briefing on 2015 health insurance open enrollment
Thomas Friedlander, Public Policy Intern attended the briefing, “Health Insurance Marketplaces, Round II: Results and Expectations,” on November 14th, hosted by the Commonwealth Fund and the Alliance for Health Reform. The briefing served as a preview to the second open enrollment period for the health insurance marketplace, which begins on Saturday, November 15th. Panelists discussed the differences between this year’s open enrollment and last year’s, which included changes to the website functionality (both at the State and federal levels) and an expanded network of provider information. Panelists pointed to evidence suggesting stable and competitive marketplaces, as well as greater accessibility to tailored insurance networks to improve the efficiency of the marketplace under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Additionally, panelists examined challenges that still face an expanding marketplace, such as specialty drug prices, rising health care costs, lack of transparency, and provider consolidation.
Moderators:
Ed Howard, Alliance for Health Reform
Sara Collins, the Commonwealth Fund
Panelists:
Meena Seshamani, Office of Health Reform at the Department of Health and Human Services
Daniel Durham, America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP)
Timothy Jost: Washington and Lee University School of Law
News from the States
National Governors Association Policy Academy resources are available online
The National Governor’s Association (NGA) has made available resources from a Policy Academy meeting which took place in mid-September in Lake Tahoe, NV. The meeting focused on reducing prescription drug abuse. Materials include presentations which cover critical issues concerning prescription drug abuse, such as prevention and treatment options, effective prescription drug monitoring, and strategies for health care purchasers. Additionally, several presentations discussing evidence-based best practices are included. Alongside the many presentations made available, the NGA has provided nine published resources which detail the critical discussions and lessons learned from the Policy Academy.
Around the Agencies
EDC receives $11 million to continue efforts to reduce substance abuse
Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) has received an additional $11 million to continue their work in substance abuse prevention. The funding comes from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), and includes an option for four more years of funding. This extension of funding comes in the wake of EDC’s Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies (CAPT), which helped create a major network of prevention resources, both human and technical. With the increased funding, EDC will maintain and improve their technical assistance capacities in the prevention workforce and target populations who are at the greatest risk for substance abuse. Many of these activities will be directed towards the growing prescription drug abuse and underage drinking problems.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports on tobacco use among middle and high school students
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report detailing tobacco use among the nation’s adolescent youth. According to the data, published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 22.9% of high school and students and 6.5% of middle school students currently use tobacco products. Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the US. Most tobacco use starts during adolescence, when the brain is most susceptible to the negative effects reported by the Surgeon General. The last few years have seen slight decreases in the amount of combustible tobacco use, and an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes. The long-term effects of e-cigarette use are currently unclear. However, most youth who begin using tobacco will do so with cigarettes. Given the fact that youth who use more than one tobacco product are more likely to continue into adulthood, the use of e-cigarettes combined with the initial use of combustible cigarettes poses new risks for future tobacco dependence.
NIAAA releases guidance on treatment options for alcohol use disorders
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) released the consumer tool, “Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help” on November 13th. The document includes information on the latest research on treatment options and what consumers should consider when selecting a particular treatment, including a set of questions consumers can ask themselves and advice for friends and family members. There are detailed descriptions of cognitive behavioral treatments and FDA-approved medications. It also includes information about support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous.
IOM Committee recommends measures for social determinants of health in meaningful use criteria for electronic health records
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee made the recommendations to the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The brief report details 12 standard measures of social and behavioral determinants of health. As reported in the American Hospital Association’s AHA News, “The measures pertain to 11 social and behavioral domains: race/ethnicity; education; financial resource strain; stress; depression; physical activity; tobacco use and exposure; alcohol use; social connections and social isolation; exposure to intimate partner violence; neighborhood and community compositional characteristics.”
In the News
States with casino gambling expand addiction programs
In a recent study by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), of the 23 States that allow casino gambling, 18 have statutes that provide services for people with gambling problems. An infographic by the NCSL shows that States with legalized casino gambling tend to have addiction programs underway within 10-20 years of authorizing gambling. In recent years, some States (Maryland, Kansas, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania) have authorized both gambling and problem gambling programs at the same time through their gaming laws. Furthermore, States are working to provide more free treatment and resource centers in addition to building a network of counselors.
Upcoming Events
National Council on Aging to host webinar on older adult mental health
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is hosting a webinar on Thursday, November 20th from 1:30-3:00pm EST, concerning current mental health trends among older adults. Nancy Wilson of Baylor University’s College of Medicine will discuss these trends, which include anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention. Ms. Wilson will be joined by two representatives from two community organizations to examine successful mental health interventions among older adults.
Network for Public Health Law announces alcohol policy webinar
The Network for Public Health Law will be hosting a webinar, titled “Alcohol Law and Policy: Lessons Learned from the Field,” on Thursday, November 20th at 1:00-2:30pm EST. The webinar will address the health risks related to excessive alcohol use and explore evidence-based legal options for policymakers. By examining lessons learned in Minnesota, panelists will discuss policies related to availability, marketing, and treatment. Panelists will also discuss a new law in Washington, which abolishes State control over alcohol and its social and health impacts.
D.C. Special Update: Implications of the 2014 Mid-Term Elections – November 6, 2014
Initial Review of Elections: Republicans Capture Senate, Expand Majority in House – 3 Senate Races Remain Undecided
As you know, voters took to the polls on Tuesday, November 4th and paved the way for a change in party leadership in the Senate and an expanded Republican majority in the House. Three Senate races, in Alaska, Louisiana, and Virginia are still being decided. In terms of Governors’ races, voters in a majority of States (31 vs. 17) elected Republican chief executives, with two additional races undecided.
We have drafted some supplemental materials that detail results from all of the Governor and Senate races, in addition to information about key Congressional Committees that have an impact on NASADAD priorities.
Senate
- Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
- Health, Education, Labor and Pension (HELP) Committee
- Judiciary Committee
House of Representatives
- Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
- Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
- Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health
The Committees listed above have a direct role in the appropriations process and have jurisdiction over key issue areas of concern to the Association.
Over the next few days, NASADAD Public Policy staff will continue to review other Committee changes, including changes in Chairmanships and other leadership positions. In addition, we plan to review this information and provide additional updates during the next All States Public Policy call on Friday, November 14th at 4 pm EST.
Current Breakdown of House and Senate Membership
Currently the Senate has 52 Republicans, 43 Democrats, 2 Independents (both caucus with the Democrats), and 3 undecided races in Alaska, Louisiana, and Virginia. Alaska incumbent Mark Begich (D-AK) is currently trailing challenger Dan Sullivan (R) as the remaining ballots are counted. Neither Louisiana Democrat Mary Landrieu nor challenger Bill Cassidy (R) received the required 50% of the vote – a runoff election will be held in January. Finally, in Virginia, Incumbent Mark Warner (D-VA) has a narrow lead over challenger Ed Gillespie (R-VA). Given the close result, Mr. Gillespie has not ruled out a recount.
In the House, there are 243 Republicans and 179 Democrats, with 13 races still undecided.
Key Changes: Committee Leadership vs. “Rank and File” Members
Generally speaking, there were relatively few changes in the “rank and file” make-up of the key Committees of interest to NASADAD. However, there will be significant changes in the leadership of some of the Committees.
There is no precise method of predicting how Chairmanships will be assigned. On the Senate side, Chairmanships are often, though not exclusively, determined by seniority. In contrast, the process in the House is somewhat less clear. Seniority is certainly a factor, though there is also some degree of jockeying between Chairmanships. House Republican leaders also self-imposed a 6 year term limit on their Chairmanships. This means that in addition to election results, Chairmen/Chairwomen whose term has expired may switch Chairmanships, taking leadership positions in completely different Committees. House Republicans will take an anonymous vote to elect the new leadership for Committee vacancies.
The following updates include potential candidates for leadership positions; however, we cannot confirm any of the positions until they are made public. We will continue to update the members as more information becomes available.
One constant for the full House Appropriations Committee is the Chairmanship of Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY). Rogers is expected to maintain his role as Chairman of the Committee and continue his work to support work on issues related to addiction in general and the opioid problem in particular.
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies will see a change in Chairmanship. Chairman Jack Kingston (R-GA) unsuccessfully ran for Georgia’s Senate seat, giving up his seat in the House of Representatives. House leadership has not announced who the new Chairperson will be, although Vice Chairman Steve Womack (R-A) may be a potential candidate. Rank and file membership will likely not change, with the possible exception of Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), whose race is still too close to call.
This Appropriations Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the budgets for the Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services (HHS). This includes funding for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and National Institutes of Health (NIH). In March, NASADAD presented testimony to this Subcommittee to provide recommendations on FY 2015 funding for SAMHSA, including the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) Block Grant; the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies will also see a change in Chairmanship. Chairman Frank Wolf (R-VA) lost his reelection bid to Barbara Comstock (R). House leadership has not indicated who the new Chairperson will be, although Vice Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) may be considered. Rank and file membership will likely not change, with the possible exception of Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), whose race is still too close to call.
This Appropriations Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the budgets of the Department of Commerce and Department of Justice (DOJ), in addition to federal science policy. This includes funding for DOJ programs like the Hal Rogers Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), drug courts, and others. Chairman Wolf demonstrated intense interest in addiction issues, calling a series of hearings to explore substance use disorder programming within the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health will see a number of changes in the rank and file membership. On the Republican side, Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) retired from Congress, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) did not seek reelection to unsuccessfully pursue Georgia’s Senate seat, and Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) did not run for reelection and will be competing for Louisiana’s Senate seat in a runoff election to be held in January. Four Democrats from this Committee will not be returning to the chamber: Rep. John Dingell (D-MI) announced his retirement after serving for more than 58 years, Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) did not seek reelection, Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) lost his reelection bid to Rick Allen (R), and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) did not seek reelection. Chairman Joe Pitts (R-PA) was reelected to Congress and there have been no announced changes to his leadership position.
This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over health related issues, including portions of Medicaid, Medicare, programs authorized under the Public Health Service Act, and more – this includes SAMHSA. Rep. Tim Murphy’s (R-PA) widely discussed bill, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act (H.R. 3717), was referred to this Subcommittee for consideration. The legislation touches a variety of issues including patient privacy, court-ordered community treatment, reauthorization of mental health courts, and a significant reorganization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). There has been some discussion about breaking Rep. Murphy’s bill into multiple bills so that less controversial provisions could be voted on individually, though Rep. Murphy remains committed to passing the comprehensive bill.
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies will see significant leadership changes. Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) retired from the Senate, leaving his position open in addition to the change in majority leadership. Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-KS) is a likely choice to become Chairman, with Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) likely to become Ranking Member. Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR), a member of the Subcommittee, lost reelection to Tom Cotton (R). While the Republican membership will likely grow, Democratic membership on all of the Senate committees will likely be reduced, so Sen. Pryor will likely not be replaced on the Subcommittee.
This Subcommittee is the Senate companion to the House Subcommittee of the same name. It has jurisdiction over the budgets for the Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services (HHS), which includes SAMHSA.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) Committee will also see significant leadership changes. Sen. Tom Harking (D-IA) was also Chairman of the HELP Committee. Ranking Member Lamar Alexander (R-TN) is a likely candidate for the Chairmanship. Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) or Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) will likely become Ranking Member. The only rank and file change will be Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC), who lost her reelection bid to Thom Tillis (R). Similar to above, Sen. Hagan will likely not be replaced on the Committee.
The HELP Committee, like its name, has jurisdiction over issues related to health, education, and labor. Statues related to SAMHSA, including reauthorization, and other HHS programs fall under this Committee’s jurisdiction. Committee also looks at other issues including public health, biomedical research and development, individuals with disabilities, and much more. The Committee has held a number of listening sessions regarding potential action related to the opioid problem. This includes considerations of a number of bills, including legislation to reauthorize the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) Act, Senator Markey’s (D-MA) bill to change prescriber limits for buprenorphine, and many others.
The Senate Judiciary Committee did not have any changes in membership due to the election. However, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) will likely become Ranking Member and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-IA) will likely assume the Chairmanship. There will likely be reductions in the nine Democratic members of this Committee.
This Committee has jurisdiction over statues related to criminal justice issues, oversees the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), and conducts hearings on federal judges and other presidential nominees before they are considered by the entire Senate. The Committee also reviews legislation for the Department of Justice (DOJ) programs, including the Second Chance Act. The Committee still may consider (this year) the nomination of Michael Botticelli to serve as the Director of ONDCP. Further, there is a chance that the Judiciary Committee will take action on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2014 (S. 2839), introduced by Sens. Whitehouse (D-RI) and Portman (R-OH). This action could take the form of a hearing or a formal mark-up of the bill.
Looking Forward: Wrapping Up the 113th Congress and Clearing the Way for the 114th
A good deal of work remains for the 113th Congress, both in terms of budget appropriations and leadership selections.
First, the 113th Congress must finish its business when they return from the elections. This includes FY 2015 appropriations work. The current continuing resolution that was passed this fall to postpone budget discussions until after the elections expires on December 11th. Congress must either pass a budget resolution, outlining the scope of the federal FY 2015 budget or pass another continuing resolution to further postpone negotiations until after the new Congress has been sworn in.
Second, party leadership will also adjust as a result of the elections. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV), current Majority Leader in the Senate, is expected to run for Minority Leader. He does not appear to have any significant opposition at this point. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will likely be elected Majority Leader, although some members of his caucus have expressed doubts about his leadership. We do not expect major changes in House leadership. Committee Chairmanships will likely shift, as we have outlined above.
NASADAD will continue to monitor new developments and provide updates to the membership as they occur.