Sen. Wyden Issues Statement on Opioid Public Health Emergency Declaration

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 -- Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., ranking Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the after the Trump administration declared the opioid crisis, which resulted in 33,000 deaths in 2015 alone, a public health emergency:

"Now that the Trump administration has finally declared the opioid epidemic the public health emergency that it is, it is critical that its actions follow its words by offering actual solutions that help those struggling with addiction and their loved ones get relief.

"If the administration is serious about stemming the tide of opioid deaths, it should pledge not to support massive cuts to health programs like Medicaid."