Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5889, which would help reduce childhood trauma by requiring the Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and technical assistance to early childhood professionals about the best ways to help treat children struggling with trauma related to substance abuse exposure. Children exposed to adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are more likely to suffer from substance use disorder later in life. We can save money and lives by better supporting these children. I recently held a listening tour throughout northwest Oregon to better understand how opioids are devastating our communities and to identify and discuss the tools we need to combat this epidemic. I heard from healthcare professionals, families who lost loved ones, individuals in recovery, and community leaders, who all called for greater Federal investment to fight back against opioids. One of the discussions I convened focuses specifically on the needs of children and how we can better support them to succeed both in the classroom and in life. Busy educators and other early childhood professionals now often find themselves serving as first responders to a growing crisis. Some schools in my home State of Oregon are adopting a trauma-informed care approach to better support affected students. For instance, Warrenton Grade School, which I recently visited, is a shining example.…”