Representative Smith statement on SUPPORT Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Rep. Smith (D – Wash.) released the following statement regarding the SUPPORT Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.
 
"Today I voted for the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would renew funding for drug prevention and treatment programs, as well as key mental health initiatives, and behavioral health care programs.

"Improving our response to mental and behavioral health is a key priority of mine. This bill has historically provided a bipartisan investment in addressing these issues. I am glad to support the authorization of important disorder treatment programs and opioid response grants.

"Unfortunately, this historically bipartisan bill is being knee-capped by an Executive Branch that has unlawfully gutted the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) which would be responsible for running these vital programs. The Administration is also preparing to eliminate 40 different mental health and substance use programs, including eight programs reauthorized by the SUPPORT Act.

"It is incredibly hypocritical of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to vote for this bill while maintaining ardent support for the cutting of SAMHSA and other programs by the “Big Ugly Bill” and the Trump Administration.

"Congress must take the problems of mental and behavioral health care seriously. I urge all who also vote “yea” on this bill to also take a long, hard look at the proposed cuts to SAMHSA and HHS from the Trump Administration. This bill could do important things to address substance use disorders, the opioid crisis, and our mental and behavioral health care crisis, if only the Trump Administration would faithfully implement it."