(WASHINGTON, DC)- Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) led 48 bipartisan lawmakers in asking the administration for additional emergency funding to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic.
The letter, written to The Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, is requesting additional funding and resources to address the opioid epidemic across the nation. The request for additional funding comes after President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency. The necessary additional funding will be used to combat the crisis directly at the community level where we have seen an increase in lack of resources and training for our law enforcement and other emergency officials.
As stated in the letter, “In light of the declaration by the Administration that the opioid epidemic is a public health emergency, and based on the recommendations from the Commission’s report, we urge you to develop and issue a comprehensive funding proposal to Congress to combat this crisis in the next supplemental appropriations bill.”
“The nation has wrongfully stood by and watched this problem became an epidemic. The sad truth is that this is effecting more and more families daily in Ohio and families across the United States,” said Congressman Dave Joyce. “It is no longer acceptable for us to stand by and allow more lives to be lost. In order to do this, we need to know more information and have more resources available sent directly to our communities now.”
“During my time in Congress I have met with countless local officials and representatives from Ohio and across the country who have expressed an urgent need for more resources to combat drugs like heroin and fentanyl. The rise of synthetic opioids are compounding the devastation already being caused by the heroin and opioid addiction epidemic. I have urged, and will continue to urge, President Trump and Congress to provide the additional funding needed to our local officials, emergency rooms, treatment facilities, child care services, and law enforcement,” said Congressman Ryan.
