We Must Combat the Heroin Epidemic

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. KUSTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to discuss new bipartisan steps my House New Hampshire colleague, Frank Guinta, and I are taking to combat the heroin epidemic seizing New Hampshire and many other States across this country.

Last year in New Hampshire alone we experienced 321 drug-related deaths, according to the State medical examiner's office, and the rate of drug-related fatalities in 2015 is expected to increase.

I continue to see the impacts of this terrible epidemic as I meet with affected communities and stakeholders across my district. From educators to police officers, to advocates and health providers, it is only when we stand united and coordinate our efforts that we will be able to halt the destruction that this dangerous substance is causing all across our communities.

That is why I ask my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me and my fellow Representative from New Hampshire in our Bipartisan Task Force to Combat the Heroin Epidemic. This task force will focus on finding solutions to the growing epidemic. We believe we must do everything possible to spread awareness, increase educational efforts, and hear from affected families and individuals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join us to end this epidemic in our communities.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source