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

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

AMCP supports a holistic, comprehensive, and multi-stakeholder approach among health care providers and patients that truly addresses the opioid epidemic.

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

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

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

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

The Family First Act would allow states the flexibility to use title IV-E dollars for substance abuse treatment that works.

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.

Oregon has the dubious distinction of ranking fourth worst for abuse and misuse of opioids in the country.

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.

My own view on what's needed is a better approach that includes three things: more prevention, better treatment, and tougher enforcement.

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

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

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

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

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

Americans today are paying for a distorted set of priorities.

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

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

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

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

the two areas must go in tandem to be successful

I wish to take a few minutes to thank our staff who did so much to address what I call the need for a fresh trade policy, for trade done right through the course of this year. Our staff and Senator Hatch's staff have put an enormous amount…

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