The House of Representatives passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act of 2025 on June 4 with strong bipartisan support in a 366–57 vote. The bill renews funding through 2030 for various programs aimed at combating substance abuse and opioid addiction across the country.
Originally enacted in 2018, the SUPPORT Act provides federal grants for state opioid response programs, treatment initiatives for pregnant and postpartum women, recovery housing, and medication-assisted treatment. The 2025 version maintains funding for rural health efforts and includes resources for prescription drug monitoring programs and local law enforcement support to counter drug trafficking.
Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), the sponsor of the bill, stated: “The programs within the SUPPORT Act have made significant steps toward reducing the toll illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances take on our communities. By reauthorizing this important legislation, we are increasing prevention initiatives, reducing drug-related deaths, and restoring hope for families. I thank my colleagues for their bipartisan commitment to saving lives.”
Despite the overwhelming vote, several conservative lawmakers opposed the bill, raising alarms about expanded federal control and unchecked spending. Members of the House Freedom Caucus criticized the legislation for lacking sunset clauses, clear performance benchmarks, or sufficient accountability for how grant money is distributed and utilized. They also faulted the bill for failing to address the flow of fentanyl across the southern border—a major contributor to the national opioid crisis.
One provision of the reauthorization continues funding to local law enforcement agencies, facilitating partnerships with public health authorities. The bill also prioritizes services in regions with persistently high overdose rates and limited treatment infrastructure.
The Congressional Budget Office has yet to release a full cost estimate for the reauthorization, though earlier versions of the legislation were projected to cost billions over five years. With the Senate expected to take up the measure later this month, the debate over balancing federal involvement with effective local solutions is likely to intensify.
