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To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.

6/21/2025, 6:26 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2351

Bill 119 HR 2351, also known as the "Coast Guard Drug Overdose Treatment Act," aims to direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdoses. The bill seeks to ensure that the Coast Guard is equipped with the necessary tools and resources to effectively respond to drug overdoses that may occur within their jurisdiction.

The proposed legislation emphasizes the importance of utilizing medication as a means of treating drug overdoses, recognizing the life-saving potential of such interventions. By updating the policy of the Coast Guard to include guidelines on the use of medication for overdose treatment, the bill aims to enhance the Coast Guard's ability to respond to emergencies and potentially save lives.

In addition to addressing the use of medication for overdose treatment, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to drug overdose response within the Coast Guard. These additional measures are intended to further strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to effectively address drug-related emergencies and protect the well-being of individuals within their jurisdiction. Overall, Bill 119 HR 2351 represents a proactive effort to enhance the Coast Guard's response capabilities in the face of drug overdoses, emphasizing the importance of utilizing medication as a critical tool in saving lives during emergencies.

Congressional Summary of HR 2351

This bill requires the Coast Guard to provide access to naloxone (a medication to reverse opioid overdoses) at its facilities, track distribution of the medication, and monitor the illegal use of of controlled substances. 

The bill directs the Coast Guard to update its policy regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdoses to require naloxone or a similar medication to be made available to members on all Coast Guard installations and in each operational environment. 

Further, the Coast Guard must participate in the Department of Defense (DOD) tracking system for naloxone distribution and the illegal use of fentanyl and other controlled substances. (The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 directed DOD to establish the tracking system.) The bill requires the Coast Guard to finalize a memorandum of understanding with DOD to facilitate Coast Guard access to the tracking system.

The bill also specifies that laws that prohibit manufacturing or distributing controlled substances on vessels apply when controlled substances are intentionally or knowingly placed or caused to be placed on board a vessel (e.g., without the crew's knowledge or on board an unmanned vessel). 

Further, the bill requires the Coast Guard to brief Congress within two years after the bill's enactment about the use of opioids and overdose medication at Coast Guard facilities by members and personnel. The briefing must describe the Coast Guard's progress in implementing its updated policy, the prevalence and incidence of the illegal use of controlled  substances, and its processes to mitigate substance abuse.

Current Status of Bill HR 2351

Bill HR 2351 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since June 10, 2025. Bill HR 2351 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on March 26, 2025.  Bill HR 2351's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of June 10, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 2351

Total Number of Sponsors
12
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
12
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
3
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 2351

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 2351

To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.
To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose, and for other purposes.

Comments

Bailee Reed profile image

Bailee Reed

551

6 months ago

I don't get why they're messing with this. It seems like a waste of time and money. How is this gonna help anyone in the long run? #confused

Violet Lassiter profile image

Violet Lassiter

518

6 months ago

I don't know much about this bill but it sounds like a good idea. It's important to update policies to help with drug overdoses. It could really make a difference. #support

Alaina Harrison profile image

Alaina Harrison

569

6 months ago

I believe that updating the policy of the Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose is a positive step forward. It is important to prioritize the health and safety of individuals in need of assistance. This bill could potentially save lives and prevent further harm. In the short term, this bill may lead to more effective responses to drug overdoses and ultimately contribute to a healthier society.