Political Quotes

“I rise today to talk about an issue that affects all of us in this Chamber and all of the communities we represent. I also rise on behalf of the 200,000 Ohioans who are currently struggling with an addiction to prescription drugs or opiates. Heroin and prescription drug addiction has gripped our country. Unfortunately, we are facing an epidemic now, and I want to rise today to talk about how we can do a better job to address that. This is the seventh time I have come to the floor of the Senate to speak on this issue since the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act passed the Senate on March 10. That vote was 94 to 1, showing that Members from every single State are affected by this and want to address it. The Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, CARA, is a good start and will make a big difference because it is comprehensive and it addresses every aspect of the issue, from education and prevention through treatment and recovery, and helps our law enforcement folks and helps get these prescription drugs out of our communities. It is a good piece of legislation that I hope we will be able to get to the President's desk for his signature. For the first 5 weeks I came to the floor, I talked about the fact that I hoped the House would act. I urged the House to act quickly on this emergency that is affecting our communities. Last week I came to the floor to say thank you to the House because they did act. They voted on 18 separate bills.…”