Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I rise to talk about the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, also known as CARA, and the opioid abuse and heroin use epidemics. As I have said, I believe it will take all of us working together to address this public health crisis that is gripping Hoosier families and communities across Indiana and our country. We all have a role to play to address these epidemics--officials at the Federal, local, and State levels, as well as prescribers, pharmacists, law enforcement, first responders, and parents and families. This bipartisan CARA legislation would provide States and local communities with important tools to prevent and treat drug addiction and support individuals in recovery. It includes several provisions adapted from my bipartisan legislation that would enhance prescribing practices and raise public awareness. We were also successful in getting a provision included that would encourage first responder units to connect individuals who receive naloxone with treatment and other necessary services. This bill includes programs that will make a difference and should be enacted into law. It is also critically important that we fund these initiatives. CARA is an important step, but make no mistake, there is work left to do to ensure that our communities have the resources and funding to implement many of these important programs. We have a chance to do something meaningful and bipartisan that will help save lives.…”