U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) comments on final Senate passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act, which now heads to President Trump’s desk to become law:
 
“Last year, President Trump declared the opioid crisis a national Public Health Emergency. Since then, the Trump Administration has worked closely with Congress to ensure that local, state, and federal law enforcement have the tools they need to stop illegal drugs from flooding across our southern border. This bill will also prevent the escalation of opioid prescription fraud within Medicare. We’ve got to stop the spread of opioids through our communities in Georgia and across the country. It’s time to tackle this epidemic head on, and this bill gives states the necessary tools to see that mission through.”
 
The Opioid Crisis Response Act will:

·         Stop illegal drugs, including fentanyl, from coming across the border.

·         Accelerate development of new, non-addictive painkillers.

·         Increase medication-assisted treatment.

·         Prevent “doctor-shopping” by improving state prescription drug monitoring programs.

·         Train more behavioral and mental health providers.

·         Support comprehensive opioid recovery centers.

·         Provide help for mothers addicted to opioids.

·         Prioritize early intervention with vulnerable children who have experienced trauma due to opioid addiction.