Ron Wyden

The message on opioids was clear: this epidemic is carving a path of destruction through communities all across the country.

When you do the lock-in, when you actually restrict access to opioids, it is absolutely critical, it is crucial that you step up treatment

I think all three of the suggestions that you have given are certainly worth exploring, and we look forward to working with you.

The two areas must go in tandem to be successful

In my home State, citizens are not going to accept being fourth worst.

I share your view that this opioid issue is another one where this committee can come together and work in a bipartisan way.

I think it would be helpful for us, as we wrap up, for you to give us your sense of why these sort of prescribing guidelines are so important.

Not too much, but we also want to make sure patients who are appropriate get treated, and that is why guidelines are necessary to help get the balance right.

I know from talking with my colleagues here--Republicans, Democrats--that every State is dealing with this crisis.

Any solution that is going to stem this tide has to include the Finance Committee and our bedrock health-care programs.

I know from talking with many of my colleagues that every state is dealing with this crisis as well.

Now, the next generation of young people are getting swept up in a crisis beyond their control.

I can tell you I am just going to be hammering that point away again and again as we talk in the days ahead about how to tackle this

It is critical at the same time to step up treatment, because the addiction does not go away.

I think it is also important for all who are following this to understand that these are optional guidelines.

There are colleagues on the Democratic side, there are colleagues on the Republican side who want to work constructively on these issues.

Children and families are relying on us to take this important step.

It is our hope in Oregon that these programs and initiatives will save lives.

Americans today are paying for a distorted set of priorities.

I think the best recent example is the sage grouse where we were looking at having another major Endangered Species Act listing.

I agree with Senator Hatch. That is the intent of the provision amending 19 U.S.C., section 1501.

The law is not perfect, but that is undeniable progress to build on.

We are going to be relying on your counsel and your expertise a whole lot during this remaining year.

After seniors... get that free physical--thank you, Affordable Care Act--so often their care... leads them off the rails.

This is not about Washington, DC producing another Federal cookie-cutter program where you are going to have to do A, B, C, and D.