Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and leadership of Chief Keith Smith, or ``Smitty,'' as many affectionately called him. He was a dedicated firefighter, a leader in the truest sense of the word, and a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Sadly, Chief Smith passed away recently after a battle with cancer. A lifelong Hoosier, Smitty spent nearly five decades as a firefighter in the Indianapolis area. He led the Indianapolis, Westfield, and Carmel departments as fire chief during his long career. He retired in 2012 a highly decorated and widely respected leader who, in retirement, continued to champion and advocate for firefighter education and mentorship. In 2000, I was honored to work with Chief Smith to put on the 2001 World Police and Fire Games in Indianapolis. His remarkable leadership and passion for leading others was truly inspirational. I feel fortunate to have known him, and I know his legacy lives on through the many lives he saved, the men and women he led, and, most importantly, his family, whom he loved dearly. I offer my deepest condolences to Keith's family, especially his wife, Cindy, and all the firefighters who mourn his loss and cherish his memory.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pat Fox on the occasion of her retirement. For over a decade, Pat has served as President and CEO of Riverview Health in Noblesville, Indiana. Pat has an impressive 45 years in the healthcare industry and her passion for patient care and dedication to making Riverview a first-rate hospital has left an enduring impact on the Riverview Health system. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Pat Fox's commitment to making Riverview Health a great place to work, practice medicine, and receive excellent patient care. Pat began her career in the health industry as a nurse aid in a small county hospital and decided she wanted to pursue a nursing degree. After completing her degree to become an R.N. at St. Mary's in Chicago, she went on to receive a bachelor's degree in Public Health Administration from Indiana University and a master's degree from St. Francis in Illinois. Pat remains a licensed R.N. today, however for the past 30 years she has served in leadership roles in hospitals throughout Indiana. She began her career in hospital administration as a manager at Wishard Hospital in Indianapolis, which is now known as Eskenazi, and worked her way up to Vice President of Patient Care Services. In 2000, Pat was recruited by Riverview Health for her strong leadership skills to fill the position of Chief Operating Officer. Four years later, when the CEO retired, Pat was promoted. Throughout her 11 year tenure as CEO of Riverview Health, she has been instrumental in helping the Riverview Health system grow into an exceptional and widely-respected health system. Riverview Health opened its first hospital in May of 1951. At the time, it was just one hospital, but over the past 55 years, Riverview has committed itself to adapting and expanding its facilities to meet the healthcare needs of its community. When Pat started in 2000, Riverview Health was considered a small county hospital with six physicians working outside the hospital in offices around Hamilton County. Under her administration, the health system has grown into a first-class network of 55 facilities, including the large hospital, offices, nursing homes and numerous other facilities focused on outpatient care. Most notably, Pat is responsible for leading the efforts in opening the Women's and Children's units, a new Emergency Center, and facilitation of a physician-led multi-disciplinary breast cancer team. Riverview Health has also been selected to receive a number of prestigious awards under Pat's leadership. Riverview Health was honored with an AchieveWELL certification from The Wellness Council of Indiana (2011), the Patient Safety Excellence Award from HealthGrades (2012), Five-Star Excellence Award from the Professional Research Consultants Inc. (2014), and has consistently ranked in the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals. Beyond her work with Riverview, she is an active member of the community. She serves on a number of non-profit boards, including the Cherish Center, Noblesville Youth Assistance Program, Prevail, Inc., and the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to the Hoosier community and success as a leader has not gone unnoticed. She has received a number of awards, including Aspire Indiana's 2013 Aspiring Person Award for her diverse and meaningful involvement throughout the community. Pat has devoted herself to attaining the vision she set out for the hospital when she began her career with Riverview, and over the last decade she has achieved that vision above and beyond. She transformed healthcare, particularly in Noblesville, but also throughout central Indiana and the Hoosier community is eternally grateful for her dedication to providing the highest standard of healthcare to Hoosiers. I am thrilled to hear she plans to remain active in the community and will have more time to partake in some of her favorite hobbies, running marathons and traveling with her husband. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Pat on her remarkable career and extend a huge thank you for all of the wonderful contributions she has made to Riverview Health and the Hoosier community. I wish the very best to Pat, her husband, Steve, her two children, and two grandchildren as she enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Eugene Habecker on the occasion of his retirement. For the past eleven years Dr. Habecker has devoted his life to providing an exceptional educational experience to the students of Taylor University. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Dr. Habecker's dedication to the education of our country's future leaders. Dr. Habecker demonstrated a lifetime passion for education, including his own. Before becoming the 30th President of Taylor University in 2005, he received a number of degrees. He is a proud Taylor University alumnus, receiving his bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 1968. He then went on to earn a master's degree from Ball State University in 1969, Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1981, J.D. from Temple University in 1974, a certificate from Harvard University in 1986, and several honorary degrees from numerous colleges and universities. After earning an impressive number of degrees, he continued pursuing his passion for education. He held executive leadership positions at several educational institutions including George Fox University in Newberg, OR and Eastern University in St. Davids, PA. He served as President of Huntington College in Huntington, IN from 1981-1991, and was President and CEO of the American Bible Society from 1991-2005 before he returned to his alma mater to serve as President of Taylor University. Taylor University, located in Upland, IN, was founded in 1846, making it one of the oldest evangelical Christian colleges in America. Throughout his tenure as President of Taylor University, Dr. Habecker has been instrumental in ensuring that Taylor's strong history as a university continued to flourish and grow. Under his leadership, Taylor University has been ranked the number one Midwest University in the category ``Best Regional Colleges'' by US. News & World Report for nine years straight (2007 through 2016). He is also credited with raising $180 million for operating, endowment, and capital projects. The funds raised have gone to many projects that have enhanced student life such as campus beautification projects, construction of new living centers, major upgrades to athletic facilities, and the establishment of international centers and a highly successful study abroad program. He also brings a group of students to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. each year, recognizing the importance of young Christians participating in this historic annual breakfast designed to serve as a forum for political, social, and business leaders to create a dialogue and build relationships. His wife, Marylou, who is also a 1968 graduate of Taylor, has been influential as well with her diverse and extensive work in campus ministries. Marylou and Dr. Habecker have a clear passion for education and love for Taylor University. The school is dedicated to living life together in a discipleship community, and Dr. Habecker and Marylou have been exceptional leaders in facilitating such an environment. Due to his astounding leadership, Dr. Habecker was chosen to serve on several boards including the Christian Management Association, National Association of Evangelicals, and Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Additionally, he was selected to serve on three international boards, most notably the United Bible Societies Global Board. Through his work with the United Bible Societies Global Board and through Taylor University, Dr. Habecker and Marylou have traveled extensively, both nationally and globally. The primary focus of their travels has been promoting and educating others on how to be a successful leader in Christian education. Dr. Habecker's astonishing commitment to higher education in Indiana and success as a leader has not gone unnoticed. He was awarded the Christian Management Award from the Christian Management Association (1989), Distinguished Alumni Citation from Huntington College (1989), Life Enrichment Award from the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science (1996), Layperson of the Year Award from the National Association of Evangelicals (1999), and finally, his own Taylor University selected him as the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus for Professional Achievement. Dr. Habecker made a remarkable impression on the lives of his students, faculty, and the Taylor University community. He and Marylou have left a legacy of success at Taylor that will be built upon for decades to come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Dr. Habecker on his noteworthy career and extend a huge thank you for all the wonderful contributions he has made to the Hoosier community. I wish the very best to Dr. Habecker, Marylou, their three children, and seven grandchildren as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dan Evans, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement. Since 2002, Dan has served as the President and CEO of IU Health. In his 13 years as the system's President and CEO, Dan has overseen the expansion of the IU Health system from three hospitals in downtown Indianapolis to a unified statewide health system of nearly 20 hospitals and health centers that treat more than 2.5 million patients a year. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Dan's commitment and dedication to the health of all Hoosiers. Dan has a long history of devoting his time to bettering the lives of Hoosiers. Before entering the healthcare field, he received his J.D. in 1976 from the Indiana University School of Law. After receiving his degree, Dan worked as an attorney for Baker & Daniels LLP, now known as FaegreBD, in Indianapolis. In November 2002, he started the beginning of an incredibly successful career as President of Indiana University Health. Since then, Dan has shown exceptional leadership and has played an integral role in transforming IU Health into the outstanding health system it is today. Throughout his tenure leading IU Health, Dan was instrumental in ensuring the hospital's continued growth and success. IU Health has long been a strong hospital system, but under Dan's leadership IU Health has grown into one of the leading hospitals in the state and nation. IU Health has consistently been included in the notable U.S. News & World Report's annual ``Best Hospitals Ranking'' as the number one hospital in the state of Indiana. He made significant additions to IU Health including the opening of the world- class IU Health Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, the IU Health Neuroscience Center, and the Riley Hospital for Children Simon Family Tower. He also played an active role in the recently announced plan for a regional academic health campus in Bloomington, which will focus on advanced research into producing innovative treatments. Additionally, he helped secure a $1 billion investment for a new adult academic health center in downtown Indianapolis. Dan is well-known for his advocacy work at both the state and federal levels, taking time to speak with legislators about wellness programs, high-quality and accessible healthcare, the Healthy Indiana Plan, and the Graduate Medical Education program. His commitment to serving the healthcare needs of the low-income and underserved communities resulted in IU Health contributing more than $5.8 billion in community benefit and investment during his thirteen years at IU Health. He has also displayed continued dedication to his relationship with the United Methodist Church by facilitating the addition of United Methodist leaders to the hospital boards throughout the IU health system. As a well-known leader in the healthcare sector, Dan has been selected to serve on a variety of prestigious community, academic, and healthcare related boards and committees, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, the University HealthSystem Consortium, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, the Indianapolis and Indiana Chambers of Commerce as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves as chairman of the Indiana Hospital Association and is a member of the bars of Indiana, the Seventh Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Dan's commitment to the highest standard of care and success as a leader has not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous accolades throughout his years in the healthcare industry. Most recently, Dan was awarded the 2015 Indiana Hospital Association's Distinguished Service Award for his exceptional leadership and devotion to his organization. Dan leaves behind a strong legacy at IU Health and big shoes to fill. I am thrilled to hear he plans to remain active in the Indianapolis community and will have more time to partake in his favorite hobby, golf. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Dan on his remarkable career and extend a huge thank you for all of the wonderful contributions he has made to IU Health and the Hoosier community. I wish the very best to Dan, his wife, Marilyn, and their 4 children as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Marion High School Boys' Basketball team for winning the Indiana Boys' Basketball Class 3A State Championship. The Marion High School Giants, hailing from Marion in Grant County, defeated the Evansville Bosse Bulldogs in an historic game. This state title is a momentous win for the Giants, as it marks their 8th consecutive state championship title, which ties the record for most consecutive wins in Indiana boys' basketball history. The Giants played in the spotlight of the IHSAA throughout this impressive season. Under the leadership of Head Coach James Blackmon, the team finished the season with a remarkable record of 23-7. Coach Blackmon, who is a Marion High School graduate and had an impressive basketball career himself, returned to Marion to coach the team in 2013. Coach Blackmon leads by example and inspires his players with his coaching and character. He works tirelessly to motivate, train, and push his team to dream big and reach their goals. As the daughter of a high school football coach, I understand the tireless dedication, time commitment, and personal sacrifices required to lead young athletes to victory, and I applaud Coach Blackmon's dedication to excellence. While their 8th consecutive state title is momentous on its own, what the Giants basketball team accomplished during the state championship was even more extraordinary than that. The Giants broke records for highest combined 3-point field goal percentage, most points scored in a quarter, scoring 31 points in the 3rd quarter alone, and most points in a half, scoring 48 points total in the second half. In addition to the Giants' significant team accomplishments, individuals from the team were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments. Senior Reggie Jones tied the record for highest individual free-throw percentage, making 100 percent of his free throws during the state championship game. Reggie was also named the Chronicle-Tribune's Boys Basketball Player of the Year, selected to be one of Hoosier Basketball Magazine's Top 60 Senior Boys' Basketball Players, and was chosen for the IBCA/Subway Senior All-State Team. Additionally, Reggie, along with senior teammate Vijay Blackmon and junior Tim Leavell were selected to play on the All-NCC 1st team. Throughout the years, the Giants have demonstrated incredible dedication to their sport--putting in countless hours on the court and the weight room. They have been supported by their committed parents, coaches, and trainers. High school sports are a special experience. They teach discipline, build character, and allow young men and women to have an experience they will remember for a lifetime. This team exemplifies the wonderful attributes that high school sports teach, and I am proud to represent such a hardworking and highly regarded group of young men and coaches. On behalf of Indiana's 5th Congressional District, I'd like to extend huge congratulations to the Marion High School Boys' Basketball Team. I look forward to cheering the team on through another great season next year and send my best wishes as the Giants work toward breaking the record for most consecutive wins. Go Giants.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Police Week, a time to thank and remember those law enforcement officers who have paid the ultimate price, officers like Deputy Carl Koontz of the Howard County Sheriff's Department in Indiana. Deputy Koontz was killed in March while serving a warrant well after his shift had ended. He, like so many members of our law enforcement community, showed dedication and commitment to his duties despite the risks. As a former deputy mayor of Indianapolis and a former U.S. attorney, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by our law enforcement officers and their remarkable families. But, even more importantly, I saw again and again men and women in law enforcement display courage in the face of adversity, compassion in the face of hardship, and an unending commitment to serve the communities in which they live. Today I salute the men and women in uniform who every day unfailingly honor the call to serve and protect. This week we must also renew our daily commitment to support our heroic men and women in blue. Our thanks and prayers are with them and their families this week and every week.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Messer).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House insist on its amendments to the bill (S. 524) to authorize the Attorney General and Secretary of Health and Human Services to award grants to address the national epidemics of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use, and to provide for the establishment of an inter-agency task force to review, modify, and update best practices for pain management and prescribing pain medication, and for other purposes, and request a conference with the Senate thereon.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This legislation was crafted in collaboration with colleagues from both sides of the aisle and it is in the best interest of the American people as a whole. Regardless of which side of the Chamber we sit on or which State we represent, the number 78 has come up time and time again. Those are 78 Americans who are dying of heroin and opioid epidemic every single day from communities large and small, rural, urban, from coast to coast. It is time we come together, as we have done this past week, on behalf of the millions of Americans and their families who are struggling with this horrible epidemic and desperately need our help. The Senate has acted and now the House has put forward a powerful bipartisan package that reflects our priorities. This will not be all the work we do together. So the package of bills that we have done will not be all that this Congress does forever. Together, in conference, we can enhance our collective response to this crisis. I look forward to resolving the issues that have been raised by my colleagues across the aisle with our Senate colleagues, and I look forward to the conference committee, where we will resolve so many issues on behalf of the American families and people who have lost loved ones to this crisis. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 725, I call up the bill (S. 524) to authorize the Attorney General to award grants to address the national epidemics of prescription opioid abuse and heroin use, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this week in Congress, we passed 18 bills to address the heroin and opioid crisis that is impacting every community in this country. I am thankful that my bill, H.R. 4641, which I worked on with Representative Kennedy of Massachusetts, ensures that healthcare professionals have access to up-to-date guidelines and best practices for treating patients with acute and chronic pain. Many of these proposals we considered this week enjoyed nearly unanimous support, and I can't express to you how refreshing it was to work with all of my colleagues on meaningful solutions to this public health crisis. As we learned from the multitude of Members this week that shared their stories on the House floor, we are facing a public health crisis that crosses every socioeconomic, every geographic, generational, and ethnic boundary. It is a rural, urban, and suburban problem. It reaches into our schools, our places of work, and our hospitals. It is tearing apart and devastating families and people's lives. However, in the midst of this crisis, as with many past crises faced by our Nation, we, as Members of Congress, have set aside our political differences and have crafted a package of thoughtful reforms that will support our communities ravaged by this scourge. I am proud of the work done by the Energy and Commerce Committee and the strong, bipartisan leadership by Chairmen Upton and Pitts and Ranking Members Pallone and Green. We cannot overlook the hard work and countless hours spent by both the majority and the minority committee staff on this effort, and I want to thank them for their hard work. Members of the Energy and Commerce Committee have pursued answers to this epidemic through roundtables and meetings with individuals and families on the front lines of this crisis--health workers, first responders, and community leaders seeking to guide their communities through this crisis. We, as Members, have visited neonatal intensive care units in hospitals to see firsthand the devastating effects of infants born addicted to opioids and who must already fight for survival through their withdrawal in their very first days of life. We have met with juvenile court judges and social workers whose caseloads have doubled over the past few years as more and more children are being removed from their parents' care because their parents are more concerned about where to find their next high than the welfare of their child and it is no longer safe for them to remain in their homes. It is important to note that it is National Police Week this week. And it is our first responders, whom so many of us have talked to, those we have heard from in Indiana, who keep naloxone in their police cruisers because they are seeing this unprecedented increase in drug overdoses, and they are saving lives each and every day. In a minute, my colleague from the Judiciary Committee will highlight all of the great work that their committee has also done to fight this scourge, but I would like to take a moment to highlight the bills rolled into this legislation that my colleagues from the Energy and Commerce Committee have painstakingly crafted. The Opioid Review Modernization Act, led by Representatives Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Lance, would require the FDA to work closely with expert advisory committees before making critical opioid approval and labeling decisions, develop recommendations regarding prescriber education programs that address extended-release and long-acting opioids, and encourage the development and approval of generic opioids with abuse-deterrent properties. Representative Sarbanes led the Co-Prescribing to Reduce Overdoses Act, which would establish a grant program for co-prescribing of opioid reversal drugs for patients who are at a high risk of overdose. Representative Evan Jenkins and Representative Bustos crafted the Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act, which will expand our knowledge of care and treatment for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome and fixes an unintended consequence with the Medicaid drug rebate program that discourages drug manufacturers from producing opioids that are harder to abuse. Representative Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico led efforts to establish a pilot program that will provide grants to State substance abuse agencies to promote innovative service delivery models for pregnant women who have a substance use disorder, such as opioid addiction. Representative Kinzinger's Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act will improve the quality of care within our communities by providing grants to States with emergency medical technician shortages so as to help streamline State requirements for our veterans to enter the EMT workforce without there being an unnecessary duplication of their training. Representatives Meehan, Kind, and Veasey led the legislation directing the CDC to study what information and resources are available to youth athletes and their families regarding the dangers of opioid use. Lali's Law, authored by Representative Dold and Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, would create a competitive grant program to help States increase access to the overdose reversal medications that save lives. The Reducing Unused Medications Act, led again by Representatives Clark of Massachusetts and Stivers, clarifies when Schedule II controlled substances, including opioid pain medications, can be partially filled. Representatives Foster and Pallone spearheaded the Examining Opioid Treatment Infrastructure Act, which requires the GAO to collect the data necessary to assess the opioid infrastructure in our country, looking at the numbers of hospital beds and treatment facilities. Finally, my Hoosier colleague, Representative Bucshon, along with Representative Tonko, championed a bill that will expand existing opioid treatment capacity substantially by providers, all while ensuring that the care that individuals receive is high-quality and minimizes the risk of diversion. Each approach that I have just set out has been a reflection of much effort put into crafting this bipartisan, thoughtful, and comprehensive package to give each of our communities, families, and individuals with addictions the support they need. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to insert extraneous material on S. 524.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Benishek).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I would like to emphasize that, as my colleague, the ranking member from New Jersey, indicated, we have made real strides this week in turning back the epidemic, but we agree it is not enough and it is not over. This fight is not going to be over. There is still more to be done. But I do hope that this week's productivity will lead to more weeks where we can continue to engage in a healthy and robust debate about the issues that matter. This week has proven we are stronger as a body when we focus on the things that unite us and bring us together. Sadly, it shouldn't take an epidemic or a national crisis to bring us together. This week has taught us that, with enough will and dedication, we can get to yes. The conference committee, which this bill will initiate, will need similar fortitude to swiftly come to a resolution on the differences we have with the Senate. That accomplishment is within our grasp. We have come too far to turn back now rather than let this issue languish. That is why I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill, support the motion to go to conference. Beyond the 78 Americans who are dying every day, we have 1.9 million Americans addicted to or abusing prescription opioid-based painkillers across the country. Because of their lives and their families' lives, we must pass this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet on Monday, May 16, 2016, when it shall convene at noon for morning-hour debate and 2 p.m. for legislative business.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Cramer).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, but I support this amendment.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 4641.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, this week we have and will continue to hear harrowing and personal stories on the House floor about how opioid addiction is devastating local communities and families across the country. Just last night, my colleagues shared some of their stories. The gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Meehan) shared a story about a promising collegiate athlete whose star was extinguished when a minor injury led to an addiction and his eventual overdose and death. Ms. Kuster from New Hampshire told of a constituent named Amber who tragically died of an overdose after a treatment bed was unavailable for her after leaving incarceration. We are going to hear many more stories today about this epidemic that has touched every community in every State of our country, an epidemic that has exploded in recent years to the point where every 12 minutes someone is dying of a drug overdose in this country. By the end of this debate, there may be over five people who have died of an overdose. The Energy and Commerce Committee has meticulously investigated this epidemic over the past year with multiple hearings and expert witnesses. The result is a thoughtful package of solutions focused on prevention and treatment that will help those facing addictions and their families deal with this opioid and, subsequently, heroin crisis. The statistics couldn't be more stark. The United States only represents 5 percent of the world's population, yet we consume 80 percent of the world's pain medication. Yet 80 percent of heroin users started with a prescription to legal pain medication. Nearly 260 million opioid prescriptions were written in the United States in 2012, outpacing the number of American adults by 20 million. As we debate this crisis, this is not just about statistics, because we are actually talking about husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, parents, and, sadly, our children. A parent who has inspired me is a woman named Justin Phillips from Indianapolis, a Hoosier mom who lost her son, Aaron, to a heroin overdose at the age of 20. Out of her heartbreak, she found a calling to keep local and national attention on the issue of heroin and opioid abuse, she said, ``until the dying stops.'' She became a leading voice for families facing addiction in Indiana, and she founded Overdose Lifeline, a nonprofit organization devoted to purchasing those lifesaving drugs, those reversal drugs, for Hoosier first responders. But she didn't stop there. She helped pass a bill at our statehouse, called Aaron's Law, to provide access to overdose reversal drugs for others beyond first responders. Justin is just like so many other moms and dads. She needs our help to prevent more kids like Aaron from being lost to heroin and opioid abuse. Her story made me realize that solving this public health crisis, this epidemic, must be a top priority for Congress and for the Federal Government, and inspired me to work with my colleague from across the aisle, Congressman Kennedy of Massachusetts, to lead these efforts in the House to combat the heroin opioid crisis. This week we are taking up a series of bills that are going to make a real difference--we hope. They must make a real difference in turning back this scourge. Now, I have cited the number of opioid prescriptions written in 2012, which outpaces the number of American adults. But the fact is that our prescribers--our doctors, our nurse practitioners, our dentists, and others--are often unaware that, in many cases, their efforts to properly treat their patients' pain can inadvertently create longer term addiction issues. While there are certainly legitimate medical needs for pain medication opioids, many prescribers are unaware that, in many cases, their efforts to properly treat their patients' pain can inadvertently create these long-term addiction issues. In an effort to address this, the CDC recently developed guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain. In order to improve the way opioids are prescribed to patients with severe and chronic pain, these guidelines seek to reduce their overuse and their abuse. H.R. 4641, which I introduced with Representative Kennedy, would ensure that the CDC's opioid prescribing guidelines are reviewed, modified, and updated where needed by an interagency task force and expert stakeholders from the prescriber community, the patient community, the addiction community, and the recovery community to reflect best practices going forward. The task force will be comprised of representatives from the Federal relevant agencies as well as those who deal with this problem day in and day out: physicians, dentists, pharmacists, hospitals, overdose reversal specialists, and pain and addiction researchers. This task force will also include representatives from State medical boards, pain advocacy groups, medical professional associations, mental health and addiction treatment communities. The scope and breadth of this group will ensure that the practices are thoughtfully reviewed, modified, and updated. They will take into account the different types of opioids, opioids within and between different classes, the availability of deterrent technology as well as nonpharmacological and medical device alternatives to opioids. It is important that the task force consider the broadest scope of pain management options. It is also important that this isn't just going to be another bureaucratic report that is compiled and sits on a shelf that is reviewed by congressional researchers and congressional staff. They must report out to Congress, lay out best practices, and provide a strategy for disseminating these best practices for pain management and recommendations at medical facilities. We have to do more in this country. Failure to address a major part of this epidemic from the outset will perpetuate the cycle of addiction in our communities. This is but one important step. There are many, many bills that the House is considering. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), our chairman.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis).

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter).