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Kaptur joins letter to President Trump calling for action on opioid epidemic

August 9, 2017

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), joined a letter to President Donald Trump following on the initial findings of The Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The letter comes after the commission missed two self-imposed deadlines and urges the President to support increased funding for treatment and recovery services.

"While we appreciate that the Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis led by Governor Chris Christie finally released its interim report on July 31st, we remain concerned that the Trump Administration has not done enough to prioritize the opioid epidemic," the Members wrote.

"…we request that you immediately call on Congress to provide emergency appropriations to combat the opioid epidemic and to cease their efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act," the Members continued. "Without addressing these two areas of concern, an effective response to this 21st Century public health emergency will be inadequate."

"We are all concerned by the impact of this epidemic on our communities across the country and across all demographics. We are prepared to work with you to help fulfill your campaign promise to ‘end the opioid epidemic in America.' Without bipartisan legislative action, the recommendations outlined by your Commission's interim report will remain unfulfilled."

The full text of the letter is available here:

The letter was led by Representative Annie Kuster (NH-02) and signed by Reps. Tim Ryan (OH-13), Tom O'Halleran (AZ-01), Joe Courtney (CT-02), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Donald Norcross (NJ-01), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Marcia Fudge (OH-11).

Issues:Health Care