Rep. Neal Announces Guest for State of Union Address

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, Jan. 26 -- Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Massachusetts, issued the following news release:

U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal announced Friday that Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi would be his guest to Tuesday's State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C..

"I am thrilled that Sheriff Cocchi will be able to join me at the State of the Union Address," said Representative Neal. "Sheriff Cocchi has been out front on the opioid epidemic and I have been happy to have him as a partner as we look for ways in which to curb this problem that plagues so many people we know and love. President Trump declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency in October - and the only thing his Administration and Congress have to show for it is a report, no action. Congress and the Administration simply are not doing enough to help Americans access necessary treatment for opioid use disorders."

Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi said, "It is a great honor to be attending the State of the Union Address next week as a guest of Congressman Neal. We have worked closely together to help address the opioid epidemic in Hamden County and I'm hopeful this important issue will be raised in the president's speech before Congress. I look forward to being in the House Gallery next Tuesday to watch this annual event which has its origins in our Constitution."

President Trump's first State of the Union Address is scheduled to take place Tuesday, January 30 at 9pm.