More Help is on the Way to Address the Nation’s Opioid Crisis
‘Yesterday, the U.S. Senate sent a clear message to the millions of Americans who have personally done battle with addiction to opioids and prescription drugs. We sent a message to the families who have watched our nation’s drug overdose fatalities double in the last decade alone… Yesterday evening, we voted to build on Congress’s prior efforts and deliver more relief to the communities that need it most. This landmark legislation addresses the crisis at every step of the way.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding passage of landmark opioid legislation:
“Yesterday, the U.S. Senate sent a clear message to the millions of Americans who have personally done battle with addiction to opioids and prescription drugs. We sent a message to the families who have watched our nation’s drug overdose fatalities double in the last decade alone.
“To those in recovery who’ve struggled to access the housing and the work opportunities they need to get back on their feet. To the governors, mayors, and local leaders who have seen communities from rural towns to inner cities hollowed out and threatened by this epidemic. To the police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders whom our nation has asked to confront this crisis -- often without all the specialized training and resources they need. To every American affected by the opioid epidemic, the landmark legislation the Senate passed yesterday says: ‘The nation will not stand for this. More help is on the way.’
“Yesterday evening, we voted to build on Congress’s prior efforts and deliver more relief to the communities that need it most. This landmark legislation addresses the crisis at every step of the way. It contains provisions to cut down on fentanyl and other illegal drugs coming across our borders. Reform how painkillers are prescribed and packaged. Invest in comprehensive opioid recovery centers. And provide for more long-term medical research. It also contains two provisions I was proud to secure for my fellow Kentuckians, and for the whole country.
“The CAREER Act will help individuals in recovery find the housing and the job opportunities they need to rebuild lives of sobriety. And the Protecting Mothers and Infants Act will help the federal government do more to support pregnant women and protect unborn children from these drugs. This landmark legislation is like a Swiss army knife that will help the federal government fight opioid addiction in many different ways. I am so grateful to Chairman Alexander for assembling this package, integrating the input of more than 70 Senators, and shepherding it through passage.”
Related Issues: Opioid Abuse
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