McConnell Encourages Senate to Move Forward in Addressing Opioid Epidemic
‘We recognize the continuing efforts of Senators on both sides of the aisle who’ve put party labels aside to build support for this much needed legislation. Let’s continue that work today by voting for cloture on CARA’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate floor today prior to the cloture vote on the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA):
“As I noted earlier, combatting substance abuse was an issue close to Nancy Reagan’s heart. It’s fitting then that we will have an important opportunity this afternoon to help address the prescription opioid and heroin epidemic sweeping our nation.
“We can do so by advancing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
“Just a few months ago, we appropriated $400 million to opioid-specific programs. We’re glad that all of those funds remain available to be spent today. And now, we can pass comprehensive, bipartisan legislation that will help build upon progress being made in this fight.
“This CARA bill would expand education and prevention.
“It would bolster law enforcement efforts.
“It would improve treatment initiatives.
“This bill has also received broad bipartisan backing and the support of nearly 130 groups dedicated to ending this crisis.
“We appreciate the work of the Senior Senator from Iowa, who worked to move this bill swiftly out of the committee he chairs.
“We thank the Junior Senators from Ohio and New Hampshire, along with the Junior Senator from Rhode Island and the Senior Senator from Minnesota, for all they’ve done to advance CARA.
“We recognize the continuing efforts of Senators on both sides of the aisle who’ve put party labels aside to build support for this much needed legislation.
“Let’s continue that work today by voting for cloture on CARA — so we can take an important step forward in addressing this national epidemic.”
Related Issues: Law Enforcement, Opioid Abuse
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