Nation's Opioid Epidemic

Floor Speech

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Ms. STEFANIK. I thank Ms. Clark.

Mr. Speaker, first, I want to take a moment to thank my colleagues Mr. Guinta, Ms. Kuster, and Ms. Clark for their work and tireless efforts to combat the heroin epidemic that is sweeping across our Nation.

Over the last 15 years, heroin-related deaths have quadrupled, leaving families and communities across this country shattered. This crisis has been felt acutely in my district where the region is a major pipeline for illicit drug trafficking.

Last November, law enforcement in Washington County, New York, made 11 arrests in one morning of individuals who were illegally selling heroin, cocaine, and prescription drugs. In New York's North Country, I have seen and heard from those in recovery and from those still struggling that heroin addiction and prescription drug abuse is a lifelong challenge. In my district, heroin addiction tragedies have caused parents to bury their children and have left spouses widowed and young children parentless.

These drugs reach out and impact even the strongest members of our communities. Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate. The support offered by treatment centers like St. Joseph's Addiction Treatment & Recovery Center in Saranac Lake is critical to those who suffer from this disease. Several veterans whom I had the opportunity to visit with at St. Joseph's have seen the harsh reality of war and are now fighting battles at home--one against heroin and opioid addiction and another against posttraumatic stress disorder.

Heroin abuse touches our communities, our homes, and our families in ways that have grave effects on everyday people and everyday lives. As heroin use has increased, police departments across this Nation have seen a rapid rise in related crimes, such as sex trafficking, domestic disputes, larceny, burglary, and prostitution--all tied to heroin use.

This week, I am honored to stand with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to advance legislative solutions to this widespread and insidious crisis. As a member of Representatives Guinta's and Kuster's bipartisan task force to combat heroin abuse and assist law enforcement efforts, we have worked tirelessly to find solutions. The legislation we present this week provides critical tools to medical personnel and law enforcement for stemming the flow of drugs and enhancing treatment options and availability.

These are real problems that need to be addressed through innovation, cooperation, and thoughtful action. I am confident that we can secure a better heroin-free future for our Nation. These efforts are not the end of the House's work on this issue. We will continue to seek solutions to this crisis that has touched families across my district and across our Nation.

On behalf of the families, communities, and veterans in New York's 21st Congressional District and across the country, I urge my colleagues to join those of us here tonight as we work to eliminate the heroin epidemic facing this country.

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