“An epidemic … is sweeping our nation, wrecking families and communities along the way. The Republican-led Congress has stepped in to do what we can …”

WASHINGTON — Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the Republican-led Senate passed legislation to help prevent heroin and prescription painkiller abuse and expand treatment options for the millions of Americans struggling with opioid addiction.

“An epidemic of heroin and prescription painkiller abuse is sweeping our nation, wrecking families and communities along the way. The Republican-led Congress has stepped in to do what we can by enacting legislation that will expand prevention efforts, help law enforcement fight these illegal substances, and expand treatment options for those seeking help. I look forward to the positive effect these programs will have on the lives of Americans struggling with this widespread problem. Thank you to Senators Portman, Ayotte, and Grassley for the hard work required to send this bill to the president’s desk.”  

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