Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks

The opioid epidemic has wreaked havoc on communities across the United States. In 2016, over 64,000 people died from overdose – that is 175 people dying every single day. As a result, poisoning is now the number one cause of injury death, surpassing motor vehicle accidents. Everyone has a role to play in reversing the devastating effects of the opioid crisis and it is especially important that prescribers of opioids receive continued education on the risks associated with addictive medications.

H.R. 2228, the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act of 2017, introduced by Representatives Susan Brooks (R-IN), Val Demings (D-FL), Doug Collins (R-GA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Dave Reichert (R-WA), has been signed into law. This bipartisan bill helps agencies create and improve mental health services for law enforcement officers. It is the companion bill to S.876, introduced by Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Todd Young (R-IN).

The President signed into law a game-changing, bipartisan bill that prioritizes the safety and well-being of our nation’s athletes. We must ensure our youth are safe when they go to the gym, take the ice or run onto the fields to practice their sport. I'm proud this bill has been signed into law for all of our past, present and future athletes who dedicate hours of training to perfect their sport or dream of the Olympic stage.

The President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law. This is a win for people who need tax relief the most: middle-income families. By doubling the standard deduction, increasing the Child Tax credit, lowering the threshold for the medical expense deduction, continuing graduate student tuition exemptions and reducing the tax burden on all taxpayers, Hoosiers in the Fifth District will take home more of the money they work so hard to earn.