U.S. Representative Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.), a senior member of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra requesting updates on several important HHS programs, including the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management Study. This week, Secretary Becerra delayed his scheduled appearance before the House Ways and Means Committee to testify on the Biden Administration’s proposed fiscal year 2023 budget for HHS.
“American taxpayers deserve answers on President Biden’s budget,” said Congresswoman Walorski. “Now more than ever, we must make wise investments to address challenges Americans are facing in Indiana and across the country – from combating the opioid crisis to ending food insecurity and uplifting families.”
In her letter, Congresswoman Walorski urged Sec. Becerra to provide an update on the status of the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management Study, which was included as a provision in section 6086 of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act of 2018. Named for Hoosier Dr. Todd Graham, this provision aims to expand access to non-opioid alternative pain treatments and technologies. Congresswoman Walorski introduced the Dr. Todd Graham Pain Management, Treatment, and Recovery Act to honor the legacy of this South Bend physician, who was shot and killed on July 26, 2017, after refusing to prescribe an opioid painkiller to the shooter’s wife.
Congresswoman Walorski, who serves as co-chair of the House Hunger Caucus, also asked Sec. Becerra to provide details on the proposed White House Conference on Food, Nutrition, Hunger, and Health Act, and encouraged the Biden Administration to prioritize bipartisan collaboration.
As the top Republican on the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee, Congresswoman Walorski also urged the administration to prioritize evidence-based solutions. Additionally, she asked for updates on the administration’s plans for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, which is due for reauthorization this year.
Read her full letter HERE and below.
