[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 91 (Thursday, May 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E731-E732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               IN RECOGNITION OF DRUG AND VETERAN COURTS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. PATRICK MEEHAN

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 25, 2017

  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of one of the most 
effective tools against the opioid crisis--drug and veteran treatment 
courts.

[[Page E732]]

  The opioid crisis is the worst drug epidemic our country has ever 
experienced. Around two and a half million people are now addicted to 
opioids, and 91 of them die from overdoses each day.
  Drug and veteran courts are proven approaches in this fight. Instead 
of incarcerating those with drug addiction and mental illness, these 
courts provide treatment based accountability. This strategy has saved 
over one and a half million lives, billions in taxpayer dollars, and 
has proven one of the most effective means to reduce recidivism and 
drug use.
  May is National Drug Court Month, so there is no better time for my 
colleagues to stand and join me in support of drug and veteran courts 
in the Fiscal Year 2018 appropriations process. Thank you.

                          ____________________