Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Guinta for introducing this amendment. As my partner and as co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic, we appreciate his tireless work on this issue. I also want to thank the authors of this important legislation, Congressman Sensenbrenner and Congressman Conyers, for bringing forward the bill that makes such important progress in authorizing $103 million annually in grants through the Department of Justice. I am proud of the work that we are accomplishing here together this week. But that being said, we have many areas in which we have an opportunity to improve upon the legislation on the floor. And one of those areas is improved assistance for prevention, treatment, and lifelong recovery programs. Substance use disorder can be a lifelong challenge, and those struggling with this illness need access to the lifelong support required, just as we assist those with diabetes or heart disease. This critical amendment makes a simple change that would allow the grants authorized by this legislation to be used for prevention and recovery programs. We must address this crisis in a holistic way that includes efforts to treat addiction and strengthen lifelong recovery. I urge my colleagues to pass this critical amendment and to pass the underlying legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.”