Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic
‘At a time when more Kentuckians now die from drug overdoses than car crashes, it’s clear that more action is needed. Today, more action—significant action—was taken.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell released today a video message following the Senate passage of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA). Click the image below to view his comments:
The following is a transcript of the Majority Leader’s message:
“Today the Senate took decisive, bipartisan action to address our nation’s growing prescription opioid and heroin epidemic.
“I don’t have to tell you how this crisis is affecting communities across the Commonwealth. You know it’s tearing families apart. You know it’s striking at the vulnerable. You know it’s even taking aim at babies who have yet to take their first breath. At a time when more Kentuckians now die from drug overdoses than car crashes, it’s clear that more action is needed. Today, more action—significant action—was taken.
“The Senate voted on a bipartisan basis to pass the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA, which will help combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic at every level.
“It will improve education and awareness.
“It will expand overdose prevention and prescription drug-monitoring programs.
“It will also bolster law-enforcement’s ability to fight back.
“President Obama’s drug czar said this bill contains provisions that are critically important to make headway’ in this crisis, and a top anti-drug official from Northern Kentucky said it ‘will address the growing needs of our communities in getting appropriate treatment to those who are suffering…[and] allow individuals, families and communities to heal from this scourge.’
“I’m proud of today’s latest action to bring hope to those suffering in this crisis. That doesn’t mean there isn’t more to be done—Kentuckians know there is, and I’m going to keep working hard as we continue in our aim to ultimately overcome this epidemic.”
Related Issues: Opioid Abuse
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