Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I first thank my colleagues, Congresswoman Clark for leading this effort, Congressman Guinta, as well as Congresswoman Ann Kuster, who have worked tirelessly to move the heroin task force agenda forward. I applaud their persevering efforts and House leadership's acknowledgement of the danger and devastation the heroin and opioid epidemic has caused across our great Nation. This serious situation impacts every county in the 9th District of Ohio, stretching across all of northern Ohio. We have been impacted more heavily due to the major Ohio turnpike, I-80/I-90, and easy transport networks that link to international smuggling access points. The largest of our district's five counties, Cuyahoga County, recently declared a public health emergency because of record rates of overdoses. The county lost a staggering 181 citizens in the first 4 months of 2016, a rate of overdose death that, if continued, would more than double the 2015 numbers for that county. Mayors across our district report to me the dramatic increase in emergency calls connected to the epidemic. For northern Ohio, spikes in opioid overdoses are outpacing the ability of local hospitals and rehabilitation facilities to respond effectively. This week's legislative activity is imperative to communities across America. I encourage our colleagues in leadership to work expeditiously to conference the legislation. Send it to the President with funding immediately.…”