Russell Votes for Historic Funding to Combat Opioid Crisis in Oklahoma

Statement

Congressman Steve Russell (R-OK) prioritized the health, safety and labor needs of Oklahoma's Fifth District by voting in favor of the FY2019 Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill on Wednesday.

The FY2019 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations bill provides $178 billion in discretionary funding for these agencies, $1 billion above FY18 levels.

The legislation also directs historic levels of funding -- more than $6.6 billion -- to fight and end the opioid epidemic.

"Oklahoma is ina crisis. These prescription drugs are ravaging our neighborhoods and killing our loved ones at an alarming rate," Russell said. "We must act now to raise awareness and protect our communities, not by ducking, hiding and hoping for the best but by addressing this problem head-on."

In 2014, Oklahoma ranked 1st in thecountry for pain killer drug abuse. Opioid deaths have skyrocketed in the state over the past 15 years, with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics reporting a 91 percent increase in overdose deaths linked to opioids since 2003. Eight people an hour die from an opioid overdose.

The bill directs $120 million to continue the Rural Communities Opioids Response Program, granting awardees funding to develop plans to prevent and treat opioid addiction while providing pathways for recovery.

Russell has routinely advocated for ways to fight back against the opioid crisis in Oklahoma's Fifth District. In August, he toured a CVS Pharmacy safe medication disposal unit where residents can properly dispose of unwanted and unused prescription medications.

This legislation continues to put public health and safety first by providing nearly $8 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also allocates $400 million to the National Cancer Institute for cancer research, which will directly impact research centers like Oklahoma City's Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma's only academic comprehensive cancer center.

The bill also addresses high maternal mortality rates by setting aside $23 million for Special Projects of Regional and National Significance (SPRANS) State Maternal Health Innovation Grants.

The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any developed country in the world. Maternal mortality rates are especially high in Oklahoma among minority women.

States can use funds within these grants for ultrasound machines or other useful equipment for pregnant women. Additionally, states can use funding to coordinate obstetric care for women living in rural areas like Pottawatomie and Seminole Counties.

The legislation also prioritizes a 21st century workforce by investing more than $12 billion in Department of Labor programs including job training and the Job Corps.

The bill:

-Provides $1.9 billion for career, technical and adult education programs
-Includes $300 million to help veterans transition back into the workforce, including $50 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program
-Provides $251 million for the Meals on Wheels program, which provides thousands of meals to seniors who
cannot shop or prepare food for themselves
-Includes Russell request of $6 million for Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Research Program
-Provides $3.5 million for a new pilot program within the Transitional Assistance Program to prepare veterans
transitioning out of the military for apprenticeships and placement
-Gives $500,000 to initiate the HIRE Vets Medallion Program which helps find employment for veterans

"This legislation meets the needs of Oklahoma and our country," Russell said. "It supports programs protecting the health and labor standards Oklahomans and all Americans deserve and I was proud to vote for it."

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