Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I rise in support of two pieces of bipartisan legislation the House will consider later today. I introduced these bills alongside Republican colleagues because there is simply no question that they will save lives and protect our children. The first piece of legislation is critical in the fight against the opioid crisis plaguing every single community across our country. Known as the MATE Act, this legislation is simple. It will require that doctors who prescribe highly addictive pain medications are trained to spot signs of addiction and intervene accordingly. Healthcare professionals often interact with and have opportunities to provide effective treatments for individuals suffering from addiction, critical opportunities to save lives. But far too often, those chances to help are missed. In fact, research has shown that most clinicians could not confidently diagnose and treat patients with substance use disorder. Stigma, discrimination, and lack of understanding about addiction have prevented far too many Americans from accessing evidence-based care for addiction. The MATE Act will change that. I drafted this legislation after meeting with a physician in my home State of Massachusetts, Dr. Jim Baker, who shared the tragic story of his son, Max. Dr. Baker was visiting his primary care physician one day when his PCP asked him if there was anything he could do to help. Dr. Baker pleaded with his PCP for help with Max's opioid addiction. To Dr.…”