Political Quotes

“I have come to this floor many times to speak about the toll the abuse of prescription opioids and heroin has taken on our communities. When I talk with Vermonters about this crisis, whether at our Judiciary Committee field hearings in Vermont or in conversations at kitchen tables or on street corners, I hear how opioid abuse destroys lives, tears apart families, and overwhelms communities. As a lifelong Vermonter, I am proud of our small State. I see law enforcement and community leaders joining together. They have taken a real constructive approach to fighting addiction. They have created innovative and successful programs, such as the Rapid Intervention Community Court in Burlington and Project VISION in Rutland. The Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Vermont are working with schools and public health officials to help children affected by this epidemic. They are trying to keep them from being swept up into that world. Our local television stations are participating in public awareness campaigns. They are educating our citizens about drug abuse. These are the positive efforts that make me proud to be a Vermonter. But I am not just here to praise the good work in my State. I am here to work for my State and for all States that are coping with this drug addiction scourge--because all States are. Earlier this year, Congress took an important step forward by passing the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, or CARA.…”