As a response to an urgent drug crisis that has contributed to more American deaths, the Senate passed a broad drug treatment and prevention bill on Thursday. The bill is said to be the largest of its kind since a law in 2008 mandated insurance coverage for addiction treatment.
According to The New York Times, the bill was passed 94-1. It is allegedly an advantage for Republican Senators in swing States, which have been particularly affected by the drug crisis. Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio and Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire spent weeks advocating the methods essential on the floor after witnessing opioid-related crime and addiction in their respective states.
"This is big and significant," warned Marvin Ventrell, the executive director of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers. "It had legs and interest because of the opioid crisis that has hit Middle America."
My Dayton Daily News claimed that the bill, however, was also made to show voters that even in a rancorous and conflict-ridden election year, lawmakers can still counterfeit bipartisan comprises on major issues including drug addiction.
During a State-of-the-Union address in January, President Barack Obama even stated, "We can work together this year on some bipartisan priorities," such as "helping people who are battling prescription drug abuse and heroin abuse." Senator Portman, who faces re-election this November, has aggressively emphasized his role in drafting the bill. He not only has spike from the Senate floor, but he has also appeared on news outlets to publicize the bill.
Moreover, the Senate spent about two weeks arguing on the legislation. On Wednesday, they had decided on an agreement on amendments, adopting language which is made to strengthen consumer education regarding opioid abuse and give follow up services to people who have received overdose of the drugs, as reported by Rollcall.
It was noted last week that the Senators adopted an amendment that would prevent at-risk patients from getting prescriptions from numerous doctors. Another amendment would also give the Justice Department additional authorities to fight drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, at the Senators' press conference after the vote, Portman and the White House urged the House to quickly pass the legislation. The bill now awaits action in the House, where companion legislation awaits a hearing by the Judiciary Committee.
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