WASHINGTON, D.C. — A sweeping set of legislation meant to begin the process of addressing the nation's opioid crisis passed the U.S. Senate on Wednesday with ample bipartisan support.
The SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act — which represents a considerable bundle of separate bills rolled together into a single package — sailed through the Senate by a vote of 98-1, after passing the House of Representatives less than a week ago.
“After months of bipartisan work, landmark legislation to combat the opioid crisis is now headed to President Trump’s desk," said Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River), who has championed the legislation since its conception in the House.
In the House, the SUPPORT Act passed by an ultimate vote of 393-8.
CLICK HERE for more on the SUPPORT Act and its history.
"This comprehensive bill provides critical support to desperate communities in Oregon and all across the country and gives those fighting on the front lines new tools to help treat addiction and slow the flow of illicit drugs across our borders," said Walden.
According to Walden's office, the SUPPORT Act represents the single largest Congressional effort to address a single drug crisis in the nation's history.
"While there is still much work to be done, this historic effort will undoubtedly save lives and put families and communities across our country on the road to recovery. I look forward to seeing this legislation signed into law and continuing to work with the president to combat the opioid crisis," said Walden.
In recent days, responding to the opioid crisis has been one of the few subjects that Republican and Democratic lawmakers have approached with broad bipartisanship.
This crisis has taken a stranglehold on our communities, but today we are taking action to fight back. Learn more about the legislation the House will pass today to combat the opioid crisis here: https://t.co/YnWHOlBNts
— Rep. Greg Walden (@repgregwalden) September 28, 2018
