Hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations - What is the Federal Government Doing to Combat the Opioid Abuse Epidemic?

Hearing

Today we continue our important review of the opioid abuse epidemic. In recent weeks we have heard
valuable testimony from academics and state and local leaders, including folks on the frontlines in
Southwest Michigan, and today we will hear what the federal government is doing to combat this pressing
issue.

The abuse of painkilling opioids and heroin is a complex and growing public health crisis that has sadly
been outpacing the nation's efforts to reverse this epidemic. A lot of people are dying, and a lot of families
are suffering. In Kalamazoo County, where the reality of heroin overdoses has hit hard, we remember two
young women who were friends. In 2008, we lost Amy Bousfield at 18 years old. In 2012, her friend
Marissa King died at 21 years old. Marissa began using heroin in 2009, despite having lost two friends to
the drug. Marissa was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, had struggled with depression, and had abused
prescription drugs before turning to heroin after graduating from high school.

Every community has been hit by heartbreak. According to the Michigan Department of Community
Health, "Unintentional poisoning deaths in Michigan involving opioids comprise 20 percent of
unintentional poisoning deals in 2012, compared to 11 percent in 1999. Unintentional poisoning deaths
involving opioids increased more rapidly than those from any other drug." This subcommittee's diligent
review of every perspective of this issue is important.

Last week, we took an important step. The House approved bipartisan legislation co-authored by the full
committee Vice Chairman Marsha Blackburn, and Representatives Tom Marino, Peter Welch, and Judy
Chu to clarify language in the Controlled Substances Act and promote collaboration between agencies
and stakeholders to ensure patients have access to medications.

But this subcommittee's hearings have shined a light on how much more needs to be done. Our review
has introduced us to many health professionals, scientists, community leaders, and public servants who
are working their hearts out to make a difference and to help reduce this problem. There are a number of
worthy ideas on how to strengthen the federal response.

To take on the enormous challenge posed by the opioid abuse epidemic, we need to be unified and find
common ground. These hearings provide a foundation for this committee to proceed in a bipartisan
fashion to take constructive and effective actions. I am ready to work with my colleagues on the
committee on both sides of the aisle, the president, Secretary Burwell, and the rest of the administration
to produce positive results in fighting this epidemic for the American people.

We want to help. I welcome our distinguished federal government witnesses and look forward to their
testimony.

Source