releases: https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-help-drug-exposed-babies
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://evanjenkins.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-jenkins-introduces-bill-help-drug-exposed-babies | REP. JENKINS INTRODUCES BILL TO HELP DRUG-EXPOSED BABIES | 2015-10-30 | 2015 | 2015-10 | Republican | House | WV | Evan Jenkins | J000297 | evanjenkins.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va.) has introduced the Cradle Act, bipartisan legislation to improve and expand care for babies diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome, exposure to opioids during pregnancy. Going through withdrawal from heroin and other opioids is a horrific way to start ones life, but thats the reality for many newborns in West Virginia and across the country. Before coming to Congress, I helped to start Lilys Place in Huntington, one of the first standalone residential pediatric recovery centers in the country to treat neonatal abstinence syndrome babies. This model is making a difference in the lives of babies and families, and we should encourage more centers to open nationwide to treat these newborns. I want to thank Rep. Katherine Clark for signing on as the lead cosponsor it will truly take a bipartisan effort for us to fight the drug crisis and ensure healthy lives for children across the country, Rep. Jenkins said. The Cradle Act, H.R. 3865, would establish clear guidelines for residential pediatric care centers to treat babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome, exposure to opioids during pregnancy. This legislation would direct the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to set up certification guidelines for these centers, just as there are certification guidelines for hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities. This legislation also includes an emphasis on residential pediatric recovery centers offering counseling to the mothers and families to help build those important connections from birth. The bill enjoys bipartisan support and is cosponsored by 25 members, with Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) signing on as the lead cosponsor. Rep. Clark introduced H.R. 1462, the Protecting Our Infants Act, to develop best practices for care of NAS babies, and the House passed the bill in September. Congress has a moral obligation to make the opioid crisis a national priority, and passing the Cradle Act is a critical part of that mission. Infants suffering from opioid withdrawal need special care during their first precious days of life. By removing barriers to specialized clinical care, the Cradle Act offers babies and their mothers a chance to start their lives together in a loving and healthy environment, Rep. Clark said. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has endorsed Rep. Jenkins legislation, and the March of Dimes has sent Rep. Jenkins a letter expressing its appreciation for his leadership on the issue. The letter is available online here. Other cosponsors include: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Charles Boustany (R-La.), Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Bob Dold (R-Ill.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Frank Guinta (R-N.H.), Glenn Grothman (R-Wisc.), Jim Himes (D-Conn.), David Jolly (R-Fla.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), Ann Kuster (D-N.H.), Leonard Lance (R-N.J.), Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.), David McKinley (R-W.Va.), Alex Mooney (R-W.Va.), Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine), Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and David Valadao (R-Calif). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |