On the recordMarch 8, 2016
It would provide as a condition that this training be conducted before any doctor receives a renewal of his or her license by the Drug Enforcement Administration. To help our veterans, an amendment that I have offered, No. 3438, would eliminate naloxone copays for our veterans. As ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, I have seen how the opioid epidemic has affected our veterans. It is truly devastating. Safe prescribing of opioids is vital because many veterans, especially those returning from combat, have serious pain issues that must be addressed, but they must be addressed safely, with care and caution about the dangers of addiction. I appreciate our dedication to addressing this problem. I hope that it will be bipartisan and that our approval this week will match the urgency of this problem in communities around the State of Connecticut and around this country. The solution to this problem is long overdue for action, and I look forward to this next step--only one of many that have to be taken--in aiding our law enforcers, our health care providers, our public officials, such as our representatives today on the Hill, in moving forward and addressing this problem. Mr. President, I yield the floor. ____________________
