Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, and I want to acknowledge Mr. Pallone, Mr. Walden, and Mr. Brady, the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, for the good work that they have offered on this as well. The opioid crisis is not a partisan issue. It is a health, safety, family, community, and economic issue. Everybody in this Chamber today has a family member or knows someone close to them who is connected to the opioid crisis. H.R. 6 represents the best of bipartisan and bicameral negotiation. This is, indeed, the way policy can and should be done. The bill includes a number of Democratic priorities to expand treatment options for our neighbors, family members, and friends suffering from opioid use disorders. It includes my bill, with Member Pallone, that would require Medicare to cover opioid treatment programs so that our Nation's seniors might have more outpatient options for treatment. Opioid use disorders are rapidly growing among Medicare beneficiaries. In 13 States, the highest rate of opioid-related inpatient hospital stays is amongst those over 65. This policy would give Medicare beneficiaries increased access to a range of medication and behavioral treatment options, leading to more hope for long-term recovery. I am also pleased that H.R. 6 includes the Securing the International Mail Against Opioids Act, which would help to stop the flow of opioids through the United States.…”