Press Releases

Washington, D.C. – Today, the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced, on a bipartisan basis, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL)’s bill, H.R. 5623, the Addressing Addiction After Disasters (AAAD) Act. The bill is co-lead by Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02) and Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01). 

For the last two summers, Vermont was hit by devastating flooding and mudslides. While the physical damage is clear, disaster-stricken communities need resources to cope with the mental and emotional damage they endure. 

“Extreme natural disasters are becoming more and more regular across the country because of climate change. Vermonters have fought through this after back to back summers of devastating flooding,” said Rep. Balint. “We must build our communities back both physically and mentally. When families lose their homes, businesses, and workplaces from disasters, it takes a tremendous mental toll.” 

“This bill will help ensure disaster resources include support for mental health and substance use disorder,” continued Balint. “The climate crisis is impacting every single Congressional district. I’m proud to see this legislation advance out of committee with bipartisan support in a divided Congress so that every American can get the help they need.”

"I am pleased to see this reform move through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. By allowing FEMA to support those struggling with substance abuse in the wake of disasters, we are taking an important step toward helping Americans recover from tragedy. Every year our nation sees disaster and even with support sometimes people turn to substance abuse to cope. Part of recovery from disaster is bringing back not only homes and businesses, but our people. I thank Reps. Balint and Tokuda for leading this effort and working with me on a bipartisan basis to pass committee,” said Rep. Doug LaMalfa (CA-01).

"After the wildfires on Maui, we saw the devastating impact disasters have on survivors and community mental health and well being. While we help people rebuild, we must not overlook the wounds we cannot see, and the alcohol and substance use some in our ʻohana have turned to as an escape," said U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02). "I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation to ensure disaster victims can get help dealing with both their trauma and addiction and have every chance at building their life."

Current Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants are authorized to provide professional counseling services to victims of major disasters through the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCATP). 

The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act strengthens the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCATP) by ensuring FEMA can include substance use disorder and alcohol use disorder in the services provided. It is essential that substance use and alcohol use disorders are included in order to de-stigmatize and help survivors of natural disasters gain access to the full range of health services. This bill does not cost any additional funds or take resources away from existing mental health services.

The Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act is endorsed by the National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors (NASADAD), the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and the Kennedy Forum.  

This bill is cosponsored by Reps. Budzinski (D-IL-13), Caraveo (D-CO-8), Carter (D-LA-2), Costa (D-CA-21), Davids (D-KS-3), Davis (D-NC-1), Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Jackson Lee (D-TX-18), Kuster (D-NH-2), LaMalfa (R-CA-1), Lee (D-CA-12), Molinaro (R-NY-19), Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Norton (D-DC-AL), Perez (D-WA-3), Pettersen (D-CO-7), Salinas (D-OR-6), Thanedar (D-MI-13), Titus (D-NV-1), Tokuda (D-HI-2), and Trone (D-MD-6).

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