Washington, D.C. (June 15, 2018) Congressman Steve Pearce released the following statement regarding numerous bills which were brought to the House Floor this week regarding the ever-present Opioid crisis:
 
"This week, over 50 bills were passed in the House to help combat our nation's opioid epidemic. Unfortunately, we in New Mexico are all too familiar with this issue that are plaguing many of our communities. It is vital that we as a nation and as a state face addiction head on. Whether closing loopholes to assist in the disposal of these harmful drugs, or providing housing and family support for families facing addiction – this compilation takes a wide and strong approach to fighting addiction and providing hope for the millions battling addiction and their families. I am privileged to have done my part in fighting back and bringing hope to the people of New Mexico."

Background: Of the 42,249 drug overdoses in the United States, 66% were related to opioids. The package of opioid legislation tackles this issue with a multifaceted approach. The bills will increase access to addiction recovery services, give law enforcement the necessary tools to prevent these drugs from being imported illegally into the country, and incentives health care providers to practice in the areas of the country that are hardest hit by this epidemic.