Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5892. In addition to the severe health consequences of substance use disorders, the opioid epidemic has taken a serious toll on the workplace. More than 10 million full-time workers have a substance use disorder. A 2017 survey from the National Safety Council found that 70 percent of employers have seen some effect of prescription drug usage, including absenteeism, impaired or decreased job performance, injuries or near misses, and arrests on or off the job. When I traveled across northwest Oregon to talk to community members about the opioid crisis, I heard from many employers and employees whose work had been affected by addiction. Oregon's low unemployment rate is resulting in local employers struggling to find qualified personnel. The opioid crisis has weakened our workforce at a time when our economy needs more workers. For instance, a timber company on the coast of Oregon reported that only one applicant passed a drug test during a recent hiring process. When I hear from people in recovery, many say that they could not continue working while they were struggling with addiction.…”