Political Quotes

“as we are all sadly aware, the United States is experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. The statistics are just startling. Since 2000, the rate of deaths from drug overdoses has increased 137 percent, including a 200-percent increase in overdose deaths attributed to the use of opioids. West Virginia has the unfortunate distinction of leading the Nation in drug-related overdose deaths--more than twice the national average. As I travel across the State, I hear constantly about the devastation caused by this epidemic. West Virginia communities are grappling with the seriousness and pain of addiction. No family or community--mine included--is immune from this pain. As one of my constituents put it, ``We must give our young people a reason not to start using something that robs them of everything they have.'' Other West Virginians have bravely shared their family's stories of addiction's pain with me. In the powerful words of one of my constituents, ``It only takes a few seconds to use drugs--but a lifetime to fight.'' Drug addiction is a diseases that knows no boundaries, and West Virginia is certainly not alone in this fight. My colleagues in the Senate--including, I am sure, the Acting President pro tempore--return each week with similar stories. No matter our political party, we should all agree on one thing, we must act to change these horrifying statistics and to save lives. Some steps have already been taken to address this drug epidemic.…”