Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, in America, 91 people die every day from an opioid overdose. According to the Washington State Department of Health, from 2012 to 2016, almost 300 people in my Fourth Congressional District died from an opioid-related death. These alarming statistics demonstrate the desperate need for the 35 bills we passed this week in regard to this crisis. I recently hosted an opioid summit in my district where I heard from constituents, Federal officials, law enforcement, and health professionals about the impacts this epidemic has in central Washington. One constituent bravely shared the story of her son, Eli. Eli was exposed to opioids in high school. He struggled with recovery, and despite support from his family, it was difficult to find help. His addiction did not let him live out his full potential, and he ultimately passed away in 2014 at the age of 22 years old. Unfortunately, there are many more stories like Eli's. We must put an end to this epidemic which is why I am proud to support the important legislation Congress is working on. By improving access to treatment, prevention practices, and law enforcement, we are saving lives. ____________________”