Political Quotes

“Mr. President, the opioid epidemic is a national crisis. It has destroyed lives, torn apart families, and strained community resources. Since the year 2000, more than 300,000 people in the United States have died from opioid overdoses. Congress is aggressively working to combat this problem by expanding prevention efforts, empowering law enforcement, and increasing access to treatment. We passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, the 21st Century CURES Act, and the Bipartisan Budget Act to improve the tools and resources available to fight this epidemic, and we have another opportunity to continue turning the tide with passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018. Last week, I met Arkansans who are on the frontlines of this battle. They have seen the destruction caused by opioids in our schools, our hospitals, and the judicial system. The individuals I spoke with agree that more resources are needed in this fight. That is what the Opioid Crisis Response Act will deliver. This comprehensive package covers a wide range of avenues to attack this problem and get individuals the help and support they need to recover. This includes prevention, treatment, additional law enforcement tools, and expanding research into nonaddictive pain treatments. I appreciate the leadership of my colleagues on the HELP, Finance, Judiciary, and Commerce Committees to advance this important legislation that is necessary to address the ever-growing opioid crisis.…”