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Foster Statement on Trump Opioid Plan

March 19, 2018

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) released the following statement on President Trump's opioid plan.

"This public health crisis has touched every state, community, and Congressional district. Individuals who suffer from dependency need fewer empty words and more adequate funding for scientific research and treatment options. It is logically impossible to accept all 56 recommendations of the President's Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis without an increase in funding.

Scientific research has paved the way for new medically assisted treatments. Medically assisted treatments are scientifically proven to work but will remain out of the reach of individuals who need it without more federal funding. When combined with evidence-based social support therapy, these treatment options provide hope for individuals who struggle with opioid dependency. Unfortunately, the President's budget threatens to cut vital funding to the National Institutes of Health -- one institution that is working on groundbreaking research into pain treatment. But budget cuts would significantly stifle this life-saving research. The President's FY2019 budget would cut funding to NIH by $2 billion.

Congress is ready to act across party lines. The President should show leadership and join our fight using the most effective channels of support and treatment. If he is serious about ending this crisis, he should support scientific research with sustained funding and work with Congress to pass legislation to give Americans the resources they need."

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