We are thrilled to announce our 2021 Legislators of the Year. This award is granted annually to Members of Congress who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to improving our nation’s response to the addiction crisis.
This year, we are thrilled to honor Senator Cory Booker, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, and Representative Sheila Jackson Lee as our Legislators of the Year.
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Sen. Cory Booker's leadership and introduction of the Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act is a huge step forward in the effort to eliminate the disparity in Federal sentencing between crack and powder cocaine and end the outdated practice that disproportionately harms communities of color. The Addiction Policy Forum has officially endorsed this important legislation and will continue to serve as an advocate for its passage through Congress.
View Sen. Booker's remarks below.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)
Under the leadership of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, the Senate Appropriations Committee continues to provide vital funding for comprehensive mental health services and substance use disorder prevention and support recovery programs across the nation. Additionally, her introduction and eventual passage of the Improving Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women Act has helped improve critical access to treatment, recovery, and support for women, infants and families who are struggling with a substance use disorder.
View Sen. Capito's remarks below.
Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
Under the leadership of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick as co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, the U.S. House of Representatives continues to prioritize meaningful legislation to help individuals and families struggling with a substance use disorder. In addition to advancing innovative legislation, his task force plays an important role in providing a platform for stakeholders to share the latest research and raise awareness to help the millions of struggling people across the country.
View Rep. Fitzpatrick's remarks below.
Representative Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX)
Under the steadfast leadership of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, the House Judiciary Committee advanced the Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act to help eliminate the disparity in Federal sentencing between crack and powder cocaine and end the outdated practice that disproportionately harms communities of color. The Addiction Policy Forum has officially endorsed this important legislation and will continue to serve as an advocate for its passage through Congress. We also commend Rep. Jackson Lee for her work on H.R. 4200, the Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Act of 2021.
View Rep. Jackson Lee's remarks below.