Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016

Floor Speech

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I thank the chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today deeply concerned by the increase of heroin and opioid abuse in Michigan and around the country.

In Jackson, six heroin-related deaths have happened since March. In April, in Monroe County, three people overdosed in a 24-hour period. Last year, Lenawee County, my home county, had seven drug-related deaths in the first three quarters. Sadly, we hear similar stories in far too many communities across Michigan.

Today's CJS Appropriations bill includes essential funding to assist States and localities to combat drug-related problems, including over $400 million to advance strategic plans to address the growing heroin and opioid epidemic and $372 million to tackle prescription drug abuse.

It will take all of us working together--concerned citizens, treatment providers, law enforcement, elected officials at every level--to fight this growing epidemic and keep our homes and streets safe.

I appreciate the work of the chairman of the committee on this, and I support it.

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