On the recordMay 12, 2016
I thank the chairman. I also want to thank my colleagues, particularly the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Keating), my friend, for inviting me to work with him on this important amendment, which adds drug take-back programs to the list of authorized uses under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program created by this legislation. While prescription drugs can be lifesaving when used properly, they can also be harmful and even lethal if they end up in the wrong hands. As recognized by Mr. Keating, unused prescription medications can pose a real safety concern and public health risk, particularly in homes with children. These unused drugs can be accidentally ingested, stolen, or misused, which is why it is absolutely essential that we take appropriate steps to provide both a safe and responsible means of disposing of them. This amendment ensures that Federal grant funds can be used for that purpose. I believe this is a positive step and will offer real benefits in reducing accidental overdose deaths. For that reason, I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment.
