Newsletter: For our Children and our Future

Statement

This week, with my support, the House passed a package of bills aimed at combating opioid abuse. Opioids are addictive and damaging drugs including morphine, heroine, and prescription pain relievers. An estimated 2.1 million people in the United States suffer from opioid addiction and we have tragically seen a spike in overdoses and deaths related to this epidemic. This is an issue that affects communities across the nation, including ours here in the Valley. This is a fight that must be won for our children and for our future.

The 18 bipartisan bills included in the package take important steps to reduce the impact of the epidemic. Several pieces of legislation that I voted for seek to increase resources and support for particularly vulnerable populations, including veterans, pregnant women and newborn children. Other bills would create a grant program to support state and local government efforts to address addiction and abuse as well as establish an inter-agency task force to form and institute best practices for pain management and the prescription of opioids. The Senate has already passed their own version of opioid abuse legislation, and with the House package green-lit today, both chambers will meet to create a final comprehensive version that can be sent to the President's desk. I am proud to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to fight this disease and look forward to the final legislation being signed into law.

On Thursday, I stopped by the Healthcare Innovation Expo where I learned about new technologies being used to advance medicine. One of my favorite booths demonstrated how virtual reality can help veterans cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The virtual reality gear is being used in behavioral therapy programs to help manage fears and control anxiety. While at the expo, I was also recognized as a "Champion in Healthcare Innovation." The award is presented to lawmakers who demonstrate continued support of patient-centered medical progress. I am honored to be the voice that fights for those affected by disease and proud to support the dedication and efforts of medical professionals in their fight to maximize quality of life.

One of the booths I visited showed me how their technology to track electronic prescribing of controlled substances (EPCS) is holding drug prescribers accountable and reducing the incidence of illegal transactions. This is another great tool we can use to combat opioid abuse.

I met with Debbi Partridge, a Modesto Junior College multimedia technician, who was honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for School Support. She goes above and beyond in her role at MJC to ensure that operations are running smoothly and that fellow staff members and students are getting the support they need.

I sat down with Debbi Partridge, the Valley's own White House Champion of Change, after she took a tour of the Capitol. Thank you, Debbi, for your dedication to our students' success!

Tomorrow, the California Air National Guard's 144th Fighter Wing will dedicate an F-15 Eagle fighter jet and recognize the city of Modesto at 1PM at the Castle Airport in Atwater. The ceremony will take place as part of the 144th Fighter Wing's "Cities of Honor" program and Peacekeepers, Peacemakers and Protectors Recognition Day. Modesto's emblem will be sealed on the nose of plane in recognition of its support of airmen who live and work in the city. My staff will be in attendance and available to answer any questions you may have about assistance for veterans or any other federal issue impacting you. As an Air Force veteran myself, I'm proud to support these efforts to unite our civilian and military communities.

The Millsaps of Modesto stopped by my office and enjoyed a tour of the Capitol this week.

In case you missed it, the Capitol dome in Washington has been under construction for several years as part of a restoration project. The project is coming to an end, which means the scaffolding is coming down. The interior and exterior of the dome will soon be visible and full public tours will begin again. If you are headed to D.C. this summer or fall, make sure to contact my office at (202) 225-4540 or sign up here to arrange a tour of the Capitol and several other sites in Washington.

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