A bipartisan opioid bill is now waiting for the president's approval. | Courtesy of Shutterstock
+ Regulatory
Amanda Rupp | Aug 5, 2016

Bipartisan opioid bill awaits president's signature

The bipartisan opioid bill package recently received a signature from Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and now waits on President Barack Obama’s desk for his signature.

The bill passed by a vote that amounted to 92-2. Earlier this month, the same bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 407-5. This legislative package makes for the 11th bill that the Energy and Commerce Committee has passed.

“Lives are at stake in this national epidemic, but the good news is that the House and Senate acted swiftly and relief is on the way,” Fred Upton (R-MI), chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee, said. “This thoughtful legislation will provide relief to families and their loved ones in Michigan and all across the country who have needed help but didn’t know where to turn.”

The bill has gained support from more than 200 leading advocacy groups. This is a testimony to the importance of resolving the ongoing opioid epidemic within the U.S.

“We’re in the midst of an opioid crisis that has no boundaries and does not discriminate,” Upton said. “In Michigan, we are enduring 10 times as many deaths today as there were 15 years ago. And, sadly, the numbers continue to surge. We owe this effort to the past, present and future victims of the opioid epidemic -- our neighbors, friends and family, across every part of the country and every demographic group. Today’s overwhelming bipartisan vote of 407-5 underscores the urgency, and I hope the Senate will swiftly follow suit. We must all come together and get the job done. What we are doing will help save lives.”

Organizations in this story

More News