Omnibus Bill ‘A Victory For Families Caught In The Grip Of The Opioid Epidemic’

PRESIDENT TRUMP: “It is time to liberate our communities from this scourge of drug addiction.” (President Trump, “How We Will Win The War On Opioids,” 3/1/2018)

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER MITCH McCONNELL (R-KY): “[The omnibus bill is] a victory for families caught in the grip of the opioid epidemic. This bill scales up research, treatment and prevention funding and provides for grants to first responders. It will confront the scourge of addiction head-on and help save lives. For rural communities, like many in my home state of Kentucky, this is a big deal.” (Sen. McConnell, Floor Remarks, 3/22/2018)

SPEAKER PAUL RYAN (R-WI): “The opioid epidemic continues to ravage our communities… By expanding access to treatment and recovery efforts that have proven successful, we can empower individuals to retake control of their lives. And by investing in increased law enforcement efforts, we can empower local communities to address the problem at its root and stop the spread of these deadly drugs. Congress has long prioritized fighting opioid abuse—and we will not rest until we see results worthy of those counting on us. Through this week’s legislation, we’ll continue to partner with the Trump administration to put an end to what very well may be the biggest public health emergency of our lifetime.” (Speaker Ryan, Press Release, 3/19/2018)

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY: “The Consolidated Appropriations Act provides $4 billion in high priority investments to fund the President's Opioid Initiative and combat this growing crisis. These resources will expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. It also includes $330 million for Department of Justice grant programs that support drug courts, treatment, and law enforcement and community responses, $130 million for the Rural Communities Opioid Response program, and $386 million for opioid-related programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition, the bill prioritizes funding at the Department of Justice for the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Organized Drug Enforcement Task Force for fighting drug addiction and the opioid crisis. … If H.R. 1625 were presented to the President in its current form, his advisors would recommend that he sign the bill into law.” (H.R.1625, Statement Of Administration Policy, 3/22/2018)

APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN SEN. THAD COCHRAN (R-MS): “Extensive negotiations and hard work went into producing this legislation, which… directs new funding to some of the most critical challenges facing our nation, including faltering infrastructure and the opioid crisis.” (Sen. Cochran, Press Release, 5/21/2018)

• SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: “The measure addresses the national opioid emergency declared by President Trump by allocating more than $4.65 billion throughout the government to work with states and localities to fight the opioid epidemic.  The funding, a $3.0 billion increase over FY2017, is directed toward continued opioid prevention, treatment, and law enforcement initiatives.” (Senate Appropriations Committee, Press Release, 3/21/2018)

SEN. ROY BLUNT (R-MO): “The opioid epidemic is a devastating public health crisis that touches people of every age, from every background, in communities in Missouri and across the nation… The opioid epidemic is claiming 115 lives every day, forcing kids into foster care, straining law enforcement resources, and costing our economy more than $78 billion a year. That’s why we’ve made opioid treatment, prevention, and research a priority in the past two government funding bills, and are continuing that effort with $3.6 billion this year.” (Sen. Blunt, Press Release, 3/21/2018)

SEN. SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO (R-WV): “As a leader on the Appropriations Committee, I am proud that I was able to secure critical funding to support numerous West Virginia priorities—including efforts to fight the opioid epidemic… Specifically, this legislation provides a historic increase in anti-drug and opioid resources, including much-needed resources for the HIDTA and Drug Free Communities programs. … Not only does this legislation provide significant resources for these priorities, but it also ensures that those resources will be used responsibly and effectively. … That means West Virginia communities hardest-hit by the opioid epidemic will receive a fairer share of funding—an amount that will total tens of millions.” (Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, Press Release, 3/21/2018)