Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released a statement following President Trump’s opioid remarks:
“While I commend the Administration for taking this step, the federal government must do more than issue declarations. Just yesterday, I introduced legislation, the Combating the Opioid Epidemic Act, that would invest $45 billion over 10 years to fund opioid treatment and prevention, as well as research on pain and addiction. In order to help families suffering from the opioid crisis, there must be substantial investments in treatment and increased access to care. Since March, I’ve held nine meetings across Pennsylvania to discuss the need to address opioid dependence. Good treatment, over a sustained period of time, gives those with an opioid dependence and their families the best shot at overcoming this challenge. The Administration and congressional Republicans must also stop pursuing health care schemes to decimate Medicaid, which would deny Americans’ coverage for substance use disorders. The opioid epidemic is a national emergency and we must respond with real investments in treatment.”
