Congressman
Paul Cook
Votes to Reduce OPIOID ABUSE
Washington D.C.
____ U.S. Representative Paul Cook (R-Apple Valley), Wednesday May
11th, voted for House of Representatives Bill #5046 - The Comprehensive
Opioid Abuse Reduction Act of 2016. The measure passed the House
overwhelmingly!
The Bill establishes a
comprehensive opioid abuse grant program at the Department of Justice (DOJ). It authorizes $103 million annually
through year 2021 for the DOJ to make grants to states, local governments, and
Indian tribes for opioid reduction programs. The H.R. 5046 Bill provides resources
for first responders and law enforcement, criminal investigations for the
unlawful distribution of opioids, drug courts, and residential substance abuse
treatment. Also, important to note, the Bill provides maximum flexibility to
states using the grant dollars.
The United States is
experiencing an epidemic of drug overdose deaths. Since 2000, the rate of
deaths from drug overdoses has increased 137 percent,
including a 200 percent increase in the rate of overdose deaths involving
opioids (opioid pain relievers and heroin).
Representative Cook says,
“With drug abuse on the rise in the U.S., particularly opioid
drug abuse, the H.R. 5046 Bill is an
important piece of bipartisan legislation that will crack down on the abuse of
these dangerous drugs, both by providing funds for treatment and punishing
those who are illegally distributing them.”
U.S. Representative Paul Cook is a member of the House Natural Resources, Armed
Services, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer
and retired after 26 years as a Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. During his
time in combat, he was awarded the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.