Pelosi Statement in Support of Democratic Conferees’ Letter on Inadequate Resources in Opioid Package

July 5, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement after every House and Senate Democrat serving on the opioid conference committee joined a letter announcing they will not sign a conference report that does not include sufficient resources to address the opioid epidemic:

"When 78 Americans die of opioid overdoses every day, we cannot shortchange the resources needed to fight the tragedy of opioid addiction in our country.

"Congress has a moral responsibility to give our communities the robust resources they need to make a difference in the fight against opioids. Democrats and Republicans have worked together on writing important authorization provisions. But thus far, Republicans have recklessly obstructed the new resources that are essential to save lives.

"Democrats will not stop fighting to get America's families the prevention, treatment and recovery resources they need to overcome the opioid addiction epidemic. On opioids, on Zika, and on Flint, Republicans need to stop standing in the way of meaningful action and join Democrats in responding to the public health emergencies in America with the seriousness and urgency they require."