Whitehouse Releases Statement on Passage of House Opioid Bills

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives finished passing a series of 18 bills related to the ongoing addiction and overdose crisis unfolding throughout the country. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, author of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act that passed the Senate in March with overwhelming bipartisan support, released the following statement regarding the House's action:

"Congress has to respond to the epidemic of addiction and overdose deaths playing out in every state across the country, and the package of bills the House has passed this week represents progress toward that goal.

"However, we cannot succeed against such a formidable disease without addressing it at every stage, from preventing the abuse of opioid pain medication to sustaining those walking the difficult and noble path of recovery. I'm disappointed to see important parts of our comprehensive Senate bill--like efforts to strengthen and expand states' prescription drug monitoring programs--left on the cutting room floor. This package also lacks funding for the important new addiction and recovery programs that would be created by this legislation. I look forward to reconciling our two chambers' approaches in conference and continuing to work for additional funding."

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