Addison McDowell (R-NC)

To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.

H.R. 2351 · House bill Transportation and Public Works

A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors

Last activity — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

In the other chamber's committee

Passed one chamber and has been handed to a committee in the other.

The committee decides whether it goes any further, and most bills that reach a committee never leave it. A committee that simply does nothing kills a bill without anyone ever voting against it, so no news from here is usually the news.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House voice vote
  3. In Senate committee

The House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together): no member's position on it was recorded.

What this bill would do

This bill directs the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update policies regarding medication used to treat drug overdoses. Specifically, it requires the updated policy to ensure that naloxone or similar medications are available at all Coast Guard installations and in every operational environment. The Act also mandates the Coast Guard's participation in a specific tracking system. Furthermore, it requires a memorandum of understanding between the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard operates and the Secretary of Defense to facilitate access to that tracking system. Finally, the Commandant must provide a briefing to specific House and Senate committees regarding the use of these medications and the prevalence of illegal substance use.

Yes· 3 of 4

  • Scored +7

    Does this do more about addiction and overdose deaths?

    The bill mandates the availability of naloxone to treat opioid and fentanyl overdoses at all Coast Guard installations and operational environments.

  • Scored +5

    Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?

    The bill provides life-saving medical availability for Coast Guard members, a group that includes many veterans.

  • Scored +5

    Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?

    By ensuring naloxone is available in all operational environments, the bill provides critical life-saving support for Coast Guard members who may be veterans.

The opposite

No question was scored the opposite.