Press Releases
Currently showing results related to Opioid Abuse
McConnell Op-Ed: A Long, Proud List of Accomplishments in this Congress
"Over the last two years, a Republican Congress, working with the Trump Administration, has delivered a long series of policy accomplishments that have created real, tangible change for the American middle class. Along the way, this Senate has proven to be fertile ground for productive bipartisan work. "What remains to be seen, and what the country will soon learn, is whether or not a Democrat-led House of Representatives will follow suit. "Here's where we are after the first two years of the … Continue Reading
09.28.18
President Signs Major Appropriations Package Into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement regarding the Senate's work on appropriations: "With President Trump's signature, our second major appropriations package for the coming year is now law. This marks a significant milestone in our efforts to return to a regular process for responsibly, effectively allocating taxpayer dollars. "Congress has passed more appropriations bills on time this year than it has in twenty years. This w… Continue Reading
05.11.18
McConnell on President Trump’s Drug Pricing Announcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) released the following statement Friday regarding the president's drug pricing initiative announcement: "I commend the Trump Administration for taking on this serious challenge facing millions of American families. I look forward to reviewing the proposals and working with the president and his team to help patients and protect taxpayers."… Continue Reading
03.10.16
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Combat Nation's Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today following the Senate passage of the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA): "I'm proud of the Senate's decisive, bipartisan action to help address America's growing prescription opioid and heroin epidemic. The bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act will help combat the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic at every level: by improving education and awareness, by e… Continue Reading
03.10.16
Senate Passes Bipartisan Bill to Address Opioid Epidemic
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 … Continue Reading
02.23.16
Grassley, McConnell Bill Would Help Foster Children Affected by Opioids, Methamphetamine, Other Substance Abuse
WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky today introduced legislation to re-authorize a program to help children who are in foster care or at risk of such placement because of parental abuse of methamphetamine or another substance. The new bill ensures that opioid abuse is also a key focus of the grants given to child welfare agencies to promote services to children and families under the measure. The Grassley-McConnell bill, the Protec… Continue Reading
02.22.16
McConnell Says Confirming FDA Nominee First Step to Ensure Agency Takes Greater Action to Address Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following statement today regarding the Senate vote to proceed to confirmation of Robert Califf to be the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA): "Drug overdose deaths, driven largely by prescription painkillers, continue to outpace the number of fatalities from traffic accidents in Kentucky. While I recognize the need to protect legitimate patient access to prescription painkillers, the FDA must do more to … Continue Reading
02.04.16
McConnell Urges FDA Nominee to Address Prescription Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell met today with Dr. Robert Califf, the nominee for Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to discuss the agency's proposal to address the prescription opioid epidemic in Kentucky and our nation. The FDA plays a leading role in addressing the prescription opioid epidemic through their drug approval process, where they are required by federal law to ensure that drugs are safe and effective. However, FDA has been criti… Continue Reading
12.01.15
McConnell Bill Addressing Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Signed Into Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell applauded the President for signing into law legislation he introduced that will help address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and the epidemic of infants who suffer from opioid withdrawal. The Protecting Our Infants Act, cosponsored by Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and detect any duplication, overlap, or gaps in preve… Continue Reading
11.16.15
McConnell/Casey Bill Addressing Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal Passes House; Now Goes to President for Signature
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced today that their legislation to address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and infants suffering from opioid withdrawal was approved by the House of Representatives. The bipartisan Protecting Our Infants Act now goes to the President for his signature. This measure directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct a departmental review to identify gaps in research and any … Continue Reading
10.22.15
McConnell Bill to Address Prenatal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal One Step Closer to Becoming Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell announced today that his legislation to address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and infants suffering from opioid withdrawal passed the U.S. Senate. Senator McConnell introduced the Protecting Our Infants Act earlier this year with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) and Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. "I was pleased to see the Senate pass the bipartisan Protecting Our… Continue Reading
09.30.15
Senators McConnell and Casey’s Protecting Our Infants Act Advances
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) announced today their bipartisan legislation, the Protecting Our Infants Act, was approved by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). The Senators introduced the bill earlier this year, and it's expected to be considered by the full Senate soon. The bipartisan Protecting Our Infants Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to lead a revi… Continue Reading
05.19.15
Senators McConnell & Markey Partner on National Effort to Address Prescription Drug and Heroin Crisis
Nearly 25,000 Americans die each year from an opioid overdose WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue a Surgeon General's Report and Call to Action on prescription drug and heroin abuse. With the opioid crisis reaching epidemic proportions in Massachusetts, Kentucky and states across the nation, the Senators sent a letter to HHS requesting the Surgeon … Continue Reading
03.19.15
Senators McConnell and Casey Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Address Maternal Addiction and Infant Opioid Withdrawal
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today introduced legislation to address the rise of prenatal opioid abuse and infants suffering from opioid withdrawal. The bipartisan Protecting Our Infants Act would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop recommendations for preventing and treating prenatal opioid abuse and for treating infants born dependent on opioids. The measure would also direct the HHS Secretary… Continue Reading
