WV lawmakers discuss possible end of drug control policy office

March 04--The Office of National Drug Control Policy, which dispenses grants to reduce drug use and drug trafficking, could be on the chopping block under the new administration.

The White House budget office has drafted a list of programs President Trump could eliminate to reduce domestic spending, according to a New York Times' report.

A number of programs were on the list, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Legal Services Corporation, AmeriCorps and the National Endowments for the Arts and the Humanities.

But as the state with the most drug overdose deaths in the nation, West Virginia may suffer if the Office of National Drug Control Policy is eliminated.

More than 70 medical and drug policy organizations, such as Addiction Policy Forum and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, have written a letter urging the administration to retain the Office of National Drug Control Policy, according to a CBS News report.

"At a time when drugs now kill more people than firearms or car crashes, it is more important than ever for ONDCP to remain a strong voice in the White House and a visible presence nationally," the letter said.

A representative for Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., said once the budget is released, the senator will focus on how any proposed changes would impact West Virginia.

"He would have serious concerns about any reduction in programs that help fight the drug abuse epidemic," the spokesperson said.

As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., will have the opportunity to examine the president's budget request.

A representative for Capito said the senator will "fight for West Virginia's priorities, including continued funding for efforts to combat the drug epidemic."

Capito recently met with the ONDCP's Acting Director Kemp Chester and voiced her strong support for the Office's mission.

Congressman Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., said, "As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I've fought for West Virginia's priorities and helped to bring funds to our state to treat addiction and stop drug trafficking."

He said when the budget is presented to Congress, he will examine it line by line to ensure the president's funding requests match up with the needs of West Virginians.

"I will also continue to work with local leaders and healthcare professionals to ensure we are receiving the resources to help people find recovery and stop the flow of drugs into our communities."

-- Email: wholdren@

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@WendyHoldren

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