U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin Statement on GOP Obstruction of Investment to Combat Opioid and Heroin Epidemic

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin released the following statement after Senate Republicans rejected a bipartisan measure that would have provided emergency funding to address the heroin and opioid abuse epidemic that is devastating communities in Wisconsin and across the country. The provision would have provided $600 million to programs at the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services and was offered as an amendment to the bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (S.524), which is currently being considered by the full Senate.

Senate Democrats were joined in support of this measure by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Rob Portman (R-OH). The roll call for today’s vote can be found here.

“Rhetoric is not enough to solve the problem. Opioid abuse is an epidemic in Wisconsin and across America that continues to grow at an alarming rate. Communities deserve action from Washington, not obstruction. As communities in Wisconsin continue to struggle with this epidemic on a daily basis, it’s time to act immediately to supply emergency funding for prevention, treatment and recovery efforts. These investments are vital to our first responders, healthcare providers and criminal justice system as they continue to respond to this national emergency and today too many Senate Republicans stood in the way,” said Senator Baldwin.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Recent Press Releases by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Baldwin Announces $1.5 Million to Expand Apprenticeships in Milwaukee

Dec 12th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Cream City YouthBuild will provide skills training, paid hands-on work experience, and help connect young people with good paying jobs

Baldwin Secures $13.4 Million for New Business Accelerator to Support Great Lakes Economy and Resiliency

Dec 10th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Announcement comes after Baldwin called on NOAA to invest in the Great Lakes

Baldwin, Ernst’s Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Red Tape and Expand Access to Internet in Rural America Passes Senate

Dec 5th, 2024 by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin