Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote yes on a bipartisan amendment to address the opioid crisis that affects our servicemembers so severely. And I thank my fellow Pennsylvanian and friend, Brian Fitzpatrick, for joining me in tackling this issue. This amendment would establish a partnership between the Department of Defense and academic health centers to work on three key areas: One, focused research on reducing our servicemembers' dependency on opioids; Two, the development of new methods of pain management and mental health strategies; and Three, partnerships with industry that would advance technologies for wounded servicemembers that will improve their day-to-day lives. The opioid epidemic is not and cannot be a bipartisan issue. It hits communities all across the country, regardless of ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status. But the epidemic is spreading to our servicemembers at an alarming rate. Our servicemembers have unique challenges. Studies show that 15 percent of servicemembers use opioids following injuries while deployed, which is almost four times the civilian average of 4 percent. As a result, addiction is higher among servicemembers than in the civilian population and is rising. Over a 3-year period, the percentage of misuse nearly tripled. That is why this amendment is so critical. Our servicemembers protect all of us and we can protect them by passing this amendment and curtailing the devastating addictions of our American heroes. Mr.…”