09.13.16

Hoeven Announces $218,000 DOJ Grant to Support Drug Court in Richland County

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $218,547 to Richland County. The funds will support the county’s Drug Court program and allow for expanded court services, including mental health, family support, educational, vocational and job training services.

“Families across the nation continue to face tragedies due to addiction and overdose, especially due to rising incidence of opioid abuse,” Hoeven said. “Today’s funding will help expand Richland County’s Drug Court program, which is one part of our comprehensive effort to treat addiction and prevent drug-related crimes.”

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Hoeven works to support programs that help reduce recidivism and enhance coordination among various levels of law enforcement and service providers, such as the Drug Court and Veteran Treatment Court programs.

Hoeven is also working to combat the recent prescription opioid and heroin epidemic. Last month, he unveiled the Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act of 2016, legislation he introduced with Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.). This bill closes a loophole in current law that enables companies to circumvent the law and sell synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as “not for human consumption.” The measure has been endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.

In addition, Hoeven supported the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, which Congress passed in July. The bipartisan legislation expands prevention efforts, supports law enforcement, improves treatment of overdoses and enhances access to treatment for drug addiction.

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