07.13.16

Republican-Led Senate Sends Legislation Addressing Opioid Epidemic to the President’s Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today following Senate passage of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) conference report:

 

“This is a comprehensive legislative response to the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic devastating Kentucky and our nation. I’m happy to see it on its way to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

“By increasing prevention, treatment, recovery, and law enforcement tools, CARA can help prevent more people from struggling with addiction to begin with, and it can help foster long-term healing for those already struggling with addiction.

“At a time when drug overdoses claim 129 American lives every day, it’s painfully clear that even more can be done. That’s why in addition to the CARA legislation, this Senate majority has provided more than double the funding that the previous majority provided for opioid-related issues.

“I want to thank colleagues like Senator Portman, Senator Ayotte, Senator Grassley, and Senator Alexander who’ve worked ceaselessly to advance this issue.”