Political Quotes

“Maine is a big small town. Our population is only 1.3 million people, and it seems like everybody, Mr. Speaker, knows everybody else. But this opioid epidemic has devastated so many of our families in the great State of Maine, including having a big impact on my own. Every day, one Mainer dies from an opioid epidemic up in our great State. We must continue to battle this devastating scourge on our population, and it must be all hands on deck. Several months ago, Congress appropriated $4 billion back to the States for increased law enforcement and early education and for recovery programs, but there is so much more, Mr. Speaker, that needs to be done. That is why this week I am so proud that the House of Representatives passed, with a big bipartisan vote, the Safe Disposal of Unused Medication Act. This allows hospice workers to safely dispose of unused opioids and other powerful medications so that they don't fall into the wrong hands. I am grateful, Mr. Speaker, for all Democrats and Republicans here in D.C. and back in Maine who helped give our families more security. We have got to stay on the offense and battle this epidemic until we have won. ____________________”