WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act (H.R. 6), bipartisan legislation that will help in our overall efforts to combat the opioid crisis by advancing treatment and recovery initiatives, improving prevention, protecting our communities, and bolstering our efforts to fight deadly illicit synthetic drugs like fentanyl.

“The American people sent us here, the People’s House, to be their voice,” said McMorris Rodgers. “After listening to people from all walks of life from every corner of this country about the opioid crisis and the devastation it’s caused in their communities, we are leading and acting to combat addiction. Today’s vote on the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act builds on the dozens of bills the House has passed this month to focus on treatment and recovery, prevention, protecting our communities, and fighting fentanyl.”

NOTE: Last week, Cathy shared this personal story of one Eastern Washington family’s battle with opioid addiction.

“This is Kristin. She’s from Eastern Washington. She’s struggled with an opioid addiction for the last eight years. She was a successful, highly competitive swimmer when she was injured. She was prescribed some opioids, and it has led to a heroin addiction, which has led to four stints in rehab, losing custody of her kid, and numerous job firings. Her addiction has torn her family apart, and it is not solved. This is a family that’s close to me as well as many in Eastern Washington, as she’s my District Director’s sister. They need help. And they need hope.

“For families like Kristin’s, the People’s House is taking more comprehensive steps this week to address this growing opioid crisis all across America. We are focused on increasing our understanding as to how we prevent addiction, protect our communities, and crack down on the foreign shipments of fentanyl from places like Mexico and China.”

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