Trahan, Lori RSS Articles

Trahan Secures $180 Million Authorization for MA-03 Sewage System Upgrades

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) voted to advance the bipartisan 2026 Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), reauthorizing federal investments in water infrastructure projects across the country and in Massachusetts. The legislation authorized $180 million in federal funding for communities in the Third District, including $90 million split equally among Fitchburg, Lawrence, and Methuen, plus $90 million for Lowell and Haverhill.

Compared to 2024 funding levels, this legislation would increase Lowell’s authorization from $30 million to $40 million and Haverhill’s from $30 million to $50 million. The additional funding could help address Haverhill’s combined sewer system challenges in the wake of this summer’s main sewer failure.

“For too long, Washington has passed the buck on costly water upgrades to communities like ours that can't afford them. The result is decades of delay while sewage spills into our rivers every heavy storm. Families deserve better,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This authorization puts real support within reach for our gateway cities. I look forward to partnering with our local, state, and federal leaders to turn this authorization into real dollars for our communities.”

Reauthorized by Congress every two years, the Water Resources Development Act provides an opportunity to ensure federal investments in local water infrastructure and development projects reflect the needs of communities. Lowell alone has invested over $150 million in CSO projects that have reduced the annual volume of overflows from the Lowell system and drastically reduced street flooding.

Many older cities, including communities across Massachusetts, were built with combined sewer systems. During heavy rain or snowmelt, these systems can become overwhelmed, causing untreated wastewater and stormwater to flow directly into rivers and other waterways. These combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are a major source of water pollution in cities with aging water infrastructure.

Following July’s main sewer line failure in Haverhill, Trahan partnered with Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) to introduce the Water Emergency and Technical Assistance Act to authorize emergency assistance and grants during clean water and drinking water infrastructure crises. The legislation would create a new emergency grant program under the Clean Water Act, funded at $50 million annually, to help communities respond immediately to failures in their wastewater systems, including combined sewer overflows and other critical system failures that threaten public health.

Since arriving in Congress in 2019, Trahan has successfully fought to increase WRDA funding for MA-03 and address combined sewer overflow (CSO) problems in the district. In 2022, Trahan secured over $100 million in WRDA investments for the district. This year’s WRDA increases on previous authorization to reflect the current needs of cities and towns in MA-03.

The 2026 WRDA now moves to the Senate. Once law, the community authorizations will be eligible for funding through the appropriations process.

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Trahan, Beyer Lead Bipartisan Push for House Leaders to Act Immediately on Artificial Intelligence

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA-07), a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, led a bipartisan group of 10 congressional leaders on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in pressing House leadership to take immediate, urgent action to address risks posed by this rapidly advancing technology. The push came in the wake of the OpenAI agent cyberattacks on Hugging Face and subsequent warnings from leaders and researchers at prominent AI companies about the societal and existential risks posed by unrestrained advances in the technology.

In addition to Trahan and Beyer, the letter was signed by Representatives Jay Obernolte (R-CA-33), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), Gabe Amo (D-RI-01), Valerie Foushee (D-NC-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16).

“We call for your joint leadership on an urgent Congressional response to recent incidents involving advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models that have profound implications for economic and national security. Congress has a singular opportunity to respond swiftly and effectively to these warning shots before true catastrophes occur,” the lawmakers wrote. “Congress must urgently advance legislation to mitigate the risk of more serious incidents, especially those that could threaten critical infrastructure, our financial system, and other institutions that every American depends on.”

“The House of Representatives could and should immediately take up legislation that would strengthen AI oversight, security, and transparency. There currently exist dozens of bipartisan bills that committees of jurisdiction have reported. Members of both parties have also worked in recent months to fast-track bipartisan legislation that is ready to be considered by committees of jurisdiction. We believe these bills should be carefully and urgently advanced through the legislative process,” the lawmakers continued.

A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.

In July, Trahan and Obernolte introduced the FRONTIER Act, bipartisan legislation that would set the first federal safety rules for the most powerful AI systems, requiring the companies that build them to be transparent about the risks, submit to independent safety reviews, and report dangerous incidents to the government. The proposal has been endorsed by a broad coalition of independent AI safety organizations, industry stakeholders, and others.

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Trahan Votes to Protect Ratepayers from Data Center Price Hikes

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, voted to pass the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act, legislation that gives state utility regulators clear standards to make sure large-load customers, including new data centers or information storage facilities, pay for the infrastructure they need. It requires companies to cover the full cost of any additional grid upgrades over time and provide financial guarantees, protecting ratepayers if a data center scales back its operations or shuts down entirely. Trahan also helped pass the legislation when it was considered in the Energy and Commerce Committee in July.

“Families are being squeezed by rising costs across the board. The last thing they need is a data center driving up their utility bills and making it even harder to make ends meet,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “The Ratepayer Protection Act says that if you build a data center, you pay for the data center, including the infrastructure and utility costs that too often get passed onto residents. Communities across the country have made it clear they aren’t going to tolerate these facilities driving up their utility costs and impacting their quality of life. Congress should build on this progress by codifying Governor Healey’s effort to ensure communities have a real say in if and when these facilities.”

Large scale data centers or information storage facilities that use 100 megawatts or more require extensive cooling systems that are necessary to keep servers from overheating. These cooling systems can account for as much as 40% of a data center's total electricity use. These data centers can use even more electricity during summer months or during heat waves where electric grids are already under strain and electricity is under more demand. Recent studies examining the impact of growing data center demand found that wholesale electricity prices increased by 6% to 29% on average nationwide, with increases of up to 57% in the regions most affected, compared with projected prices without that growth in demand.

“Right now, families across our country are afraid to open up their electric bills. The number keeps climbing, and their paycheck isn't keeping pace. They're doing the math at the kitchen table, wondering what they might have to cut next just to keep the lights on. That fear is real, and too many families have stopped believing that anyone in Washington is listening,” Congresswoman Trahan said when the bill was marked up in the Energy and Commerce Committee in July.

The Ratepayer Protection Act now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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Trahan Tours New Dracut Housing Project Made Possible by Significant Federal Investments

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) toured The Avenue at Greenmont, a new housing development in Dracut featuring 56 newly built apartment homes designed for adults aged 62 and older and non-elderly individuals with disabilities. All units are fully affordable to households earning at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The project was made possible in part through nearly $7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, awarded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) through its Community-Based Housing program.

“These 56 homes show what's possible when private partners and every level of government row in the same direction,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Federal resources like ARPA dollars and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits helped make The Avenue at Greenmont a reality, but we can't stop here. We must continue advancing commonsense legislation like the recently passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act so more families can afford a home of their own.”

The project also received $3 million from the Town of Dracut's Community Preservation Act, $1.4 million from EOHLC's Housing Stabilization Fund, $825,000 in federal HOME funds, $630,000 through the state's MassWorks program, more than $5.5 million in Massachusetts Housing Tax Credits, and nearly $11.4 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.

The United States continues to face a severe affordable housing and homelessness crisis. According to experts, the U.S. has an estimated shortage of 3.7 million to 5.5 million homes for rent and purchase. The lack of housing, along with other factors, is driving up costs and making housing the single largest expense for Americans across the country. According to a recent poll, half of Massachusetts residents say housing is unaffordable for their household, making it the single biggest financial pressure point.

In 2021, Trahan supported passage of the American Rescue Plan Act to respond directly to the challenges created and worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. The law invested billions of dollars to expand affordable housing and support Americans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In Massachusetts, EOHLC put those federal dollars to work through programs like Community-Based Housing, which helped make The Avenue at Greenmont possible.

Earlier this year, Trahan supported passage of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The new law, which took effect despite President Donald Trump’s refusal to sign it, makes it easier to build new homes, expand financing opportunities for housing, and provide new protections for renters. The bipartisan legislation also reduces unnecessary regulatory barriers to new home construction, authorizes the use of federal funds to support the development of affordable housing, and establishes a maximum limit for affordable rents.

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Trahan, Warren Statement Following Burlington ICE Facility Site Visit

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) released the following statement following a congressional oversight visit to Burlington ICE facility yesterday, where dozens of individuals have been detained:

“Today we exercised our constitutional duty to conduct unannounced Congressional oversight of an ICE facility. Immigration attorneys and community advocates have shared deeply concerning testimonies with our offices of individuals being detained by ICE for multiple days without access to adequate food, medical care, or sleeping conditions. During the hour-long inspection of the Burlington facility, we witnessed over a dozen individuals held for processing, questioned ICE on our constituents’ concerns, and pressed for humane treatment of those in custody. We’ll continue showing up and fighting for transparency, decency, and accountability.”

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Trahan Joins Over 250 Current & Former Members of Congress Urging Supreme Court to Block Trump’s Executive Order Limiting Mail Voting

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined a bipartisan effort to challenge President Donald Trump’s efforts to limit mail-in voting. The court filing questions the legality of Donald Trump’s Executive Order seeking to exert federal control over mail-in ballots ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“As current and former legislators, amici took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States—including its guarantee of the separation of powers. Amici have a particular interest in defending the institutional role of the Legislative Branch under Article I of the Constitution and in vindicating the long-settled principle that the Constitution commits ultimate regulatory authority over federal elections to Congress. The Constitution does not contemplate the Executive Branch acting unilaterally to assert power over federal elections. Yet that is what the Order and Final Rule do,” the lawmakers wrote.

Te group, made up of a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of 261 lawmakers, filed an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in the matter of United States Postal Service, et al., v. State of California, et al., a lawsuit brought by a coalition of State Attorneys General against the U.S. Postal Service. The court case challenges a Final Rule issued by the USPS pursuant to Trump’s directive that imposes unconstitutional and unworkable restrictions on mail-in voting, including requiring states to provide a “citizenship verification list” and attempting to give USPS control over who can vote by mail.

The amici also pointed to a recent federal court ruling blocking the USPS from implementing its newly finalized mail ballot rule for the midterm elections, saying the agency lacked the authority to implement the rule and that its actions are “substantively unconstitutional and contrary to law.”

“The district court correctly concluded that Appellees are likely to succeed on the merits of their claims that USPS lacked authority to issue the Final Rule, that the Final Rule unconstitutionally imposes mail-ballot requirements on the States, and that the Final Rule unconstitutionally bars non-compliant State and local election officials from using the USPS to mail ballots at all,” the lawmakers continued.

The group concluded by asserting states’ power to administer elections and Congress’s power to make or alter rules regulating elections, which the Supreme Court itself has described as an “override” authority. The president’s illegal incursion on this authority is an attempt to disenfranchise people who depend on mail-in ballots to vote.

The lawmakers concluded: “The integrity of our constitutional system depends on each branch keeping to its assigned role. The Framers set up a two-part system that gave the States default authority to regulate federal elections subject to Congress’s authority to override the States. The Framers did not provide the President with any authority to interfere in that system, nor has Congress imbued the Executive Branch with any such authority by statute.”

In the court filing, the amici curiae argue that Trump’s Executive Order 14399, “Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections,” violates the separation of powers and usurps congressional authorities outlined in Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which gives the states and Congress exclusive authority over election administration.

One-third of Americans are expected to vote by mail in the upcoming midterm elections, a voting practice Donald Trump himself used as recently as August 2026, when the president voted in Florida’s Republican primary.

Trahan has been a fierce voice against Donald Trump’s attack on mail-in voting. In 2025, she led calls against the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which requires voters to provide a birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport matching their current name to vote in a federal election. Since arriving to Congress, Trahan has championed legislation to make voting more accessible for all Americans, including co-sponsoring the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and securing House passage of proposals to enhance ballot access for the families of servicemembers and prohibit the agents of foreign governments from exercising influence over the drawing of new congressional districts.

Click HERE to view the full brief.

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Trahan, Bacon Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support 988 Call Centers

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, and Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the bipartisan 988 Call Center Improvement Act. The legislation would authorize $441 million in federal funding for technology and support staff for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, including licensed mental health professionals and training in evidence-based interventions.

“Every call to 988 is an act of courage made in a moment of crisis,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Making sure the people answering those calls have what they need to help is the least we can do. This bill is one piece of the puzzle, not the whole thing. That’s wh
I am working alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support 988 services across the board, so no call goes unanswered and no center is left without what it needs.”

“When someone calls 988 during a mental health crisis, they should be able to quickly reach trained professionals who can connect them with the care they need,” said Congressman Bacon. “The 988 Call Center Improvement Act will strengthen local call centers by improving technology, supporting trained staff and expanding follow-up services so more people receive timely, effective help. I’m pleased to join Rep. Trahan on this bipartisan legislation to strengthen our mental health crisis response system.”

Specifically, the 988 Call Center Improvement Act would:

Invest in technology necessary to expand capacity and increase local response rates;
Provide follow-up and follow-through services so that individuals are effectively engaged with local behavioral health crisis options;
Support staff, including licensed mental health professionals and peer support workers;
Train staff and volunteers in providing evidence-based interventions, including for high-risk populations.

The 988 Call Center Improvement Act was included as part of the 988 Implementation Act, a comprehensive legislative package of bipartisan bills led by Trahan, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07), and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) to address gaps in care for individuals experiencing mental health crises. The broader bipartisan package would strengthen federal funding for 988 regional and local call centers to deliver timely, 24/7 response to callers while expanding community-based and mobile crisis response and increasing awareness of 988 services.

Since being sworn into Congress in 2019, Trahan has led efforts to expand access to quality mental health care and improve the resources and support of those in need of care. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law Trahan’s Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Reauthorization Act, which reauthorized and strengthening community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts.

Earlier this year, she led a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country. This past May, Trahan introduced the bipartisan Campus Lifeline Act of 2026, legislation aiming to expand awareness and access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for students and young adults.

Full text of the 988 Call Center Improvement Act can be found HERE.

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Trahan Announces Over $2 Million in Federal Funding for Local Community Colleges

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) announced $2,023,573 in new federal funding for three community colleges across the Third District. The money comes from three U.S. Department of Education programs that help first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students get to college, stay enrolled, and graduate.

“For so many students, community college is where a bigger future begins. It's the first person in a family to earn a degree, the parent going back to school, the worker learning a new trade. This funding helps more of them finish what they started,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “I'll always fight for federal investments in our schools and community colleges, because every degree earned here changes a family's story for good.”

The institutions receiving federal funding include:

Mount Wachusett Community College: $1,158,572
Northern Essex Community College: $453,065
Middlesex Community College: $411,936

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) was awarded a total of $1,158,572 from three different federal programs. Specifically, the school received $468,572 through the Student Support Services Program to provide opportunities for academic development, assist students with basic college requirements, and motivate students toward successful completion of their postsecondary education. It also received $410,000 from the Talent Search Program, which provides grants to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. MWCC was also awarded $280,000 through the Educational Opportunity Centers Program to increase the number of adult participants who enroll in postsecondary education.

“TRIO Student Support Services has been an important part of Mount Wachusett Community College for nearly five decades, providing students with the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to reach their goals,” said Mount Wachusett Community College President James Vander Hooven. “This continued federal investment allows us to build on that legacy, helping more students overcome barriers, complete their education, and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. We are thankful for Congresswoman Trahan's continued partnership and advocacy.”

Northern Essex Community College (NECC) was awarded $453,065 through the Student Support Services Program, which the school plans to use to support its PACE program, which helps students develop three skills necessary to complete their degrees, succeed in the workforce, or transfer to a four-year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. Founded in 1980, NECC’s PACE program serves more than 250 students annually.

“NECC’s PACE program has supported thousands of Merrimack Valley students over the past 40 years,” said Northern Essex Community College President Lane Glenn. “We know funding like this can’t always be guaranteed, and so are grateful for Congresswoman Trahan’s advocacy for our region’s students.”

Middlesex Community College was awarded $411,936 through the Talent Search Program. This grant continues the institution’s Talent Search Program work with Lowell Public School students at Lowell High School and two middle schools, a partnership dating back to 1989. The new five-year grant will allow the program to serve 824 LPS students annually.

“Thank you to the U.S. Department of Education for its generous funding of our TRIO Talent Search Program,” said Middlesex Community College president Phil Sisson. “At MCC, we meet learners of all ages where they are, including students who take our classes at their high schools. Combined with our strong partnerships with local schools and organizations, this funding strengthens our ability to guide students on their paths from high school to MCC to the student’s transfer institution to successful and stable jobs in the workforce. As Congresswoman Trahan is acutely aware, in our program, students who would not otherwise have the opportunity will gain access to robust and comprehensive resources, support systems, and education that will help them reach their goals and improve their lives.”

Since taking office in 2019, Trahan has been a fierce advocate for community colleges, vocational schools, and workforce development in the region. As the only Massachusetts member of Congress serving on the House Education and Labor Committee during the 116th Congress, she helped craft the College Affordability Act to crack down on predatory for-profit colleges and ensure students can spend less while earning a meaningful degree. In December 2025, the House Education and the Workforce Committee passed Trahan’s bipartisan Student Financial Clarity Act to help students and parents seeking higher education understand the true cost of their degree program.

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Trahan Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Improve 988 Services

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, introduced the bipartisan 988 Implementation Act, a comprehensive bipartisan legislative package that will provide states with federal funding and resources to build a crisis response infrastructure behind the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The legislative package is also co-led by Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01).

“Calling 988 takes courage, and answering takes patience and care. Our job is to support both,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “We all know someone who has struggled with mental health or substance use and wished there was more help within reach. This bill delivers it, with a faster response, a real place to turn, and trained professionals ready to pick up the phone.”

“When someone reaches out for help in a moment of crisis, we have a responsibility to make sure help is there,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “988 has become a lifesaving resource for millions of Americans, but answering the call cannot be where our responsibility ends. We built a national front door to crisis care with 988. Now we need to strengthen what comes next by expanding mobile crisis response, increasing access to immediate community-based care, and connecting people to the treatment and support they need.”

“Everyday, millions of Americans face mental challenges and are unsure where to go for help,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The 988 hotline streamlines resources for those in need, as part of a network of over 200 local crisis centers, yet only thirteen-percent of adults are aware of this critical resource. I am proud to join a bipartisan group of colleagues in introducing the 988 Implementation Act to build upon the critical progress we have made, and further ensure that our communities are properly equipped with crisis-response services.”

As America’s mental health crisis worsens, 988 has spent the past four years demonstrating the lifesaving power of connecting people in crisis with the right help at the right time. A study published this year by the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) found that suicide deaths among children and young adults fell 11% below projected levels following the launch of 988, the largest declines were seen in states where 988 use increased most.

The 988 Implementation Act will help address those gaps in access to care by:

Strengthening federal funding for 988 regional and local call centers to deliver timely, 24/7 response to callers;
Expanding community-based and mobile crisis response so trained behavioral health professionals can reach someone who needs in-person support;
Improving access and affordability by requiring health insurance plans to cover crisis services;
Growing crisis workforce development with more funding for training and scholarship opportunities;
Increasing awareness of 988 through a national suicide prevention and crisis services campaign.

Trahan, Matsui and Fitzpatrick are joined by original cosponsors Representatives Nanette Barragán (D-CA-44), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Seth Moulton (D-MA-06), Dan Goldman (D-NY-10), Don Beyer (D-VA-08), Jennifer McClellan (D-VA-04), and Becca Balint (D-VT-AL).

Since being sworn into Congress in 2019, Trahan has led efforts to expand access to quality mental health care and improve the resources and support of those in need of care. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed Trahan’s Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Memorial Reauthorization Act which ensured the continuation and strengthening of community-based youth and young adult suicide prevention efforts.

Earlier this year, she spearheaded a bipartisan group of 100 House members demanding the Trump administration reverse its decision to terminate thousands of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grants that fund local mental health and addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery programs across the country. This past May, Trahan led the bipartisan introduction of the Campus Lifeline Act of 2026, legislation aiming to expand awareness and access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for students and young adults.

Full text of the 988 Implementation Act can be found HERE.

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Trahan, Fitzpatrick, Pettersen Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Recognize Overdose Awareness Day

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force Co-Chairs Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) and Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced bipartisan legislation legislation to commemorate Overdose Awareness Day, a solemn day to honor those who have lost their lives to overdoses, destigmatize addiction and seeking treatment, and combat the addiction crisis.

“Far too many families in the Commonwealth and across our country know the devastating pain of losing a loved one to an overdose. This bipartisan legislation aims to ensure every person affected by addiction knows that they are not alone,” said Congresswoman Trahan, a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee. “Addiction doesn’t check party affiliation or nationality. It strikes in silence and no family should be forced to fight it alone. By formally recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost to addiction and honor the families and communities impacted by this crisis. We must continue working to reduce stigma and expand access to lifesaving treatment and care.”

“Much of what guides my work in Congress on addiction and recovery has been shaped by sitting across the table from families whose lives have been forever altered by this crisis, and by working alongside the first responders, treatment providers, advocates, and community leaders who devote themselves every day to saving lives and helping people rebuild theirs,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “There is no single policy that will solve this crisis, and no place for partisanship when lives are at stake. But together, we can continue to make meaningful progress by strengthening prevention, expanding education and awareness, improving access to treatment and sustained recovery, and confronting the deadly threat of illicit fentanyl. With this resolution, we remember those we have lost, stand with the families who carry their absence, and renew our resolve to prevent the next loss.”

“Far too many American families, including my own, have felt the devastating impacts of the opioid epidemic. In the fight to save my mom’s life, I saw firsthand how broken our health care system was. But my mom was one of the lucky ones because after 30 years of struggling, she finally had access to the critical care she needed. Unfortunately, far too many people never get that same chance,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “Deaths from overdoses are preventable. The greatest barrier people face to treatment is the stigma that surrounds this medical disease. That’s why passing this resolution is an important step toward confronting the misunderstanding surrounding this crisis. Addiction isn’t a moral failing; it is a medical condition. I’m proud of the work I did in the legislature to expand access to lifesaving care, but Congress must take urgent action to prevent more families from unnecessarily losing a parent, a sibling, or a child to this disease.”

In addition to formally recognizing Overdose Awareness Day in the United States, the bipartisan legislation introduced today commits Congress to advancing and passing bipartisan policies that reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and overdoses and underscores Congress’ commitment to working with states and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, healthcare providers, patients, and families to support a comprehensive system that promotes prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery from opioid use disorder.

In 2025, nearly 70,000 Americans lost their lives to a drug overdose, a decrease of almost 14% from the 81,313 deaths estimated in 2024. It was the third straight annual drop, making it the longest decline in decades and a return to pre-COVID-19 levels. However, fentanyl and other illicit synthetic opioids continue to fuel the overdose epidemic.

In April, Trahan partnered with Representatives Fitzpatrick and Pettersen to introduce bipartisan legislation recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day in order to increase awareness about the growing threat of counterfeit fentanyl pills and their devastating impact on families and young people across the United States.

Since coming to Congress in 2019, Trahan has led multiple efforts to combat the addiction crisis in Massachusetts and across the country. Trahan has used her position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee to introduce and successfully pass addiction legislation, including her bipartisan Medication Access and Training Expansion (MATE) Act. In 2022, Trahan secured $1.65 million in federal funding to support the creation of the Middlesex County Restoration Center, an effort led by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian to create greater opportunities to divert individuals battling addiction and behavioral health conditions away from jails and emergency rooms and to immediate treatment.

In 2024, Trahan also introduced bipartisan legislation to commemorate Overdose Awareness Day to honor those who have lost their lives to overdoses, destigmatize addiction and seek treatment, and combat the addiction crisis.

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WINTERFEST FEB. 21 - 22, 2020

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Lowell's annual Winterfest weekend in downtown Lowell is a fun event featuring everything from a carousel and ice-skating to an all-you-can-eat chocolate festival.

Click here to learn more