Todd Young: “I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this amendment, shedding light on one of the most vulnerable…”

“I thank the gentleman from Illinois for introducing this amendment, shedding light on one of the most vulnerable populations affected by this national opioid epidemic: our children. As communities, non-profits, and policymakers search for solutions to address this harrowing drug epidemic, it is essential that we not lose sight of the children whose lives have been fundamentally and forever altered by this nationwide crisis. Kids across the country are having their lives turned upside down. They are watching parents taken into custody. They are forced to leave homes, wondering whether they will ever be able to see their father or mother again. These are things children shouldn't have to worry about and shouldn't have to go through. The national opioid epidemic has hit my home State of Indiana particularly hard. A small Hoosier community of 4,300 was catapulted into the spotlight last spring. We had over 190 Hoosiers diagnosed with HIV primarily due to intravenous drug use. It is a tragedy the CDC has cited as one of the worst documented HIV outbreaks among users in the past 2 decades. This localized epidemic, similar to others across the country, is linked to the use of a powerful painkiller, a very highly addictive opiate. In addressing this nationwide problem, we are going to have to overcome the negative stigmas of drug addiction.…”