[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 187 (Friday, December 2, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ENDING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC

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                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2022

  Mr. NORCROSS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak on behalf of those 
struggling with the disease of addiction.
  The last few years have been brutal on Americans suffering from 
opioid use disorder. 100,000 dead of drug overdoses in 12 months.
  This relentless disease has left heartbroken families across the 
country asking why there isn't more support for loved ones gripped by 
addiction.
  Today, Leigh Ann Caldwell at the Washington Post reported that a 
cartel of clinics is trying to block legislation that would help 
address the opioid epidemic. Her article quotes a special interest 
leader saying he ``doesn't trust doctors.''
  77 million Americans lack easy access to a clinic, but he doesn't 
want patients to get treatment because he doesn't ``trust'' doctors? 
Maybe he wants to protect the monopoly these for-profit clinics enjoy.
  It is time for us to decide what is more important: Ending the opioid 
epidemic or the entrenched interests of the methadone clinic cartel.
  It is time for the Senate to help us get the bipartisan Opioid 
Treatment Access Act over the finish line.

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