Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Chairman Upton's leadership and partnership throughout this important effort. Today is a proud day in our Nation's history. Today the House will complete its work on a comprehensive legislative package to combat the terrible epidemic of opioid abuse, which is ravaging our country. We have all heard the grim statistics. 129 people die every day from drug overdose. That is more than 47,000 a year. These people are our neighbors, friends, and loved ones. They come from all walks of life and all communities. They need our help. Today, the House is answering the call. The conference report we are considering today represents a truly comprehensive response to the opioid epidemic. It includes provisions from 18 bills passed by the House in May and addresses all facets of the epidemic. It permits the government to make grants for purposes of prevention, treatment and recovery, overdose reversal through the use of FDA-approved and appropriately labeled drugs and devices, and law enforcement and investigative purposes. Significantly, the conference report preserves the provisions of the Judiciary Committee's flagship bill, H.R. 5046, which passed this House in May by an overwhelming 413-5 vote. This historic legislation, which was sponsored by Crime Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner, creates a comprehensive Justice Department grant program to help States fight opioid addiction. It authorizes $103 million annually over 5 years for the grant program.…”