Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the bipartisan Families Care Act today, directing the Administration for Community Living (ACL), under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to provide peer support services for children, grandparents, and caregivers impacted by the opioid crisis.
“The opioid crisis claims tens of thousands of lives every year, leaving families and caregivers to bear the heavy emotional and practical burdens of supporting children hurt by addiction. No family should be forced to walk this difficult path alone. That’s why Senator Luján and I introduced the Families Care Act, to guarantee that families have the support and resources they need to care for children while providing an opportunity for those who have faced similar life circumstances to share their experiences with others,” said Senator Budd.
“I’m proud to reintroduce the Families Care Act with Senator Budd to support all of the caregivers who step in when substance use disorder tears families apart. Far too many grandparents and relatives become the primary caregiver when a substance use disorder overtakes their loved one. This legislation will help provide increased support through peer assistance and education, helping reduce caregiver stress and loneliness. By providing essential resources and fostering a supportive community, we can improve caregivers’ well-being and help them show up every day to care for the people they love,” said Senator Luján.
Read the full bill text HERE.
Background
The legislation would require the ACL to provide peer support services through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).
Senators Budd and Luján previously introduced this legislation in 2024, which was passed out of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee as part of the Older Americans Act.
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