Political Quotes

“Overall I believe this is an excellent package that is badly needed by seniors, the disabled, hospitals, nursing homes, and other providers. Finally, we have already had a lot of discussion about the Pain Relief Promotion Act. Obviously it is controversial. The bill simply amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit the use of federally regulated drugs to help his or her life. Let me be clear about that. Simply put, this would prevent any effort to assist in a suicide by using controlled substances such as powerful pain killers. The bill goes further in its efforts to provide appropriate relief to people suffering great pain. It provides a variety of provisions and educational programs to encourage appropriate pain relief. Indeed, under this legislation for the first time ever the Controlled Substances Act would explicitly recognize that aggressive pain relief is an appropriate and fully warranted use of controlled substances. I believe a vast majority of Americans share a simple belief--that I hold very strongly--that doctors we rely on to nurture and extend our lives should not be party to efforts actively to promote someone's death.”