Rep. Kuster Issues Statement on President Trump’s Opioid Summit

CONCORD, New Hampshire, March 2 -- Rep. Ann McLane Kuster, D-New Hampshire, founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, issued the following statement on President Trump's opioid summit:

"The opioid epidemic is devastating families and communities across New Hampshire and the country.

"The response from President Trump and his administration needs to match the intensity of the crisis at hand and that means directing federal resources to those on the frontlines and efforts to bolster prevention, treatment, long-term recovery, and law enforcement.

While declaring a public health emergency was a step in the right direction, we've unfortunately seen more words than action when it comes to the White House's handling of the opioid epidemic.

"I've led bipartisan calls for President Trump to work with Congress to replenish the public health emergency fund, which would increase the effectiveness of the emergency declaration.

"I was encouraged to hear recognition of the unique challenges faced in rural communities, and as Congress appropriates the recently agreed to $6 billion in opioid funding, l will work to direct resources to states that have been hardest hit like New Hampshire."

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Kuster led a bipartisan call for President Trump to renew the public health emergency declaration of the opioid epidemic and provide the necessary funding to support it. She also authored bipartisan legislation to ensure that the states most affected by the opioid crisis receive appropriate resources.