Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize families across this great country who have been tragically affected by the growing opioid epidemic plaguing our communities. All too often, we hear the heart-wrenching stories from families who have lost loved ones to this pernicious scourge. We have heard from law enforcement officers and healthcare providers who have chronicled the growing influx of crime and addiction in our society. In 2016, in Broome County alone in my district, 76 people died from drug overdoses. Ninety percent of those deaths were opioid related. We have kicked the can down the road for far too long. Now, Congress must act swiftly and work to provide resources for those struggling with addiction by supporting rehabilitation centers, as well as educational and preventative programs. That is why I am taking the lead on the national level by supporting the funding of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act in the 2018 budget. This is only a start, but I will continue to fight across all sectors to find comprehensive and caring solutions to this tragedy in our communities. ____________________”