Diaz-Balart Applauds Enactment of Comprehensive Legislation Addressing Opioid Crisis

MIAMI ­­– Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) issued the following statement after President Trump signed H.R. 6, the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, bipartisan and comprehensive legislation that addresses the opioid crisis.

"Every day, an average of 115 people across the United States are dying due to opioid-related causes. It does not discriminate against color, age, ethnicity, or socio-economic status and continues to take loved ones away from their families far too soon. Opioids are ravaging our communities, and with the support of the President, Congress is continuing its commitment to address this dangerous epidemic.

"I have met with local law enforcement and other first responders, and I understand the difficulties they face as they deal with addiction-related emergencies. This past summer, the House passed over 50 opioid-related bills that work towards prevention, treatment, and enforcement to curb the opioid crisis. As a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I was also pleased to craft and vote for a funding bill that allocates $6.6 billion across several agencies to provide our first responders and those struggling with addiction the support needed from the federal level to combat this crisis.

"I am grateful to the President for recognizing the toll that opioids are having in our homes, in our families, and in our daily lives. Let me be clear: the road does not end here. I remain committed to working with my congressional colleagues to do whatever we can to put an end to this tragic epidemic."