Hoyer: Republicans Are Working to Take Away Health Coverage From Americans With Opioid Addiction
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
June 22, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on Republican hypocrisy when it comes to addressing the opioid epidemic:
“Over the past two weeks, Republicans have continued to show the American people their inability to govern. Many of the opioid bills the Majority brought to the Floor as part of what they’ve branded ‘Opioid Week’ are an important first step, but their hypocrisy has been on full display with their efforts to undermine health care in this country. Instead of working with Democrats to direct sufficient resources to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, Republicans are working to take coverage away from Americans suffering from opioid addiction and threatening to remove protections for those with pre-existing conditions, including substance abuse disorders. With the Trump Administration’s decision not to defend the Affordable Care Act in court and new efforts by conservatives to attempt a full repeal of the law, on balance Republicans appear to be more concerned with limiting coverage for effective treatment options for those with opioid addiction than with ensuring they can access them.
“Democrats will continue to work with state and local leaders, with law enforcement, and with medical professionals to highlight the impact of our nation’s opioid crisis and promote action in Congress that addresses the roots of this challenge. I urge Republicans to set aside their gimmicks, slogans, and partisan repeal efforts and work with us to bring real, bipartisan legislation to the Floor that tackles the opioid crisis responsibly and ensures access to affordable substance abuse treatment.”
“Over the past two weeks, Republicans have continued to show the American people their inability to govern. Many of the opioid bills the Majority brought to the Floor as part of what they’ve branded ‘Opioid Week’ are an important first step, but their hypocrisy has been on full display with their efforts to undermine health care in this country. Instead of working with Democrats to direct sufficient resources to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, Republicans are working to take coverage away from Americans suffering from opioid addiction and threatening to remove protections for those with pre-existing conditions, including substance abuse disorders. With the Trump Administration’s decision not to defend the Affordable Care Act in court and new efforts by conservatives to attempt a full repeal of the law, on balance Republicans appear to be more concerned with limiting coverage for effective treatment options for those with opioid addiction than with ensuring they can access them.
“Democrats will continue to work with state and local leaders, with law enforcement, and with medical professionals to highlight the impact of our nation’s opioid crisis and promote action in Congress that addresses the roots of this challenge. I urge Republicans to set aside their gimmicks, slogans, and partisan repeal efforts and work with us to bring real, bipartisan legislation to the Floor that tackles the opioid crisis responsibly and ensures access to affordable substance abuse treatment.”