Loudoun Times - House Passes Comstock-Backed Amendment to Fight Opioid Scourge

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By Trevor Baratko|

The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a budget amendment to the fiscal 2017 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act that, according to a congressional spokesman, transfers $7 million from the Government Services Administration to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program.
The amendment was proposed by U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.-10th), who represents Loudoun County.

"The heroin and opioid epidemic continues to severely affect our community and others throughout our nation," Comstock said in a prepared statement. "The $7 million this amendment to the HIDTA Program will be critical in our battle against drug traffickers who prey on some of the most vulnerable in our communities."

Comstock said the increase in resources would "also provide support to state and federal prosecutors to convict the individuals associated with dangerous drug trafficking organizations in our area.

The $21.7 billion Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act was expected to pass the House late Thursday. It would then go to the Senate for consideration.

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