The Bipartisan legislation continues with its fight to help communities' battle heroin and opioid drugs. It has already cleared up a Senate procedural hurdle and is now moving towards approval.
According to Yahoo News, the bill got an 86-3 voting which is considered a big step forward. These would establish grants to help the state and local governments treat addicted inmates, train emergency workers regarding the use of drugs that help overdose patients and carry out other treatment and prevention programs.
Ohio's senator Rob Portman, the chief author of the anti-drug legislation, is committed in putting the bill on track towards its approval. He invoked the memory of Nancy Reagan who he considers as inspiration for getting it done.
He said that Reagan gave significant contributions in the struggle to end drug abuse and addiction. He added that Reagan was a true leader on this issue and there have been no doubts regarding her focus on the education and prevention as well as treatment and recovery that saved many Americans from the disease of addiction as per the New York Times.
Senator Jeff Sessions of Alabama said Reagan's historic leadership that inspired good citizens to rise up and fight against drugs is only appreciated fairly. He added that many scoffed but after sustained efforts, drugs use started downward to levels that were half what they were before she started the campaign.
As reported by the Washington Times, lawmakers from both parties have sounded the alarm after the increased use of opioid painkillers and heroin. Which also affects the body in similar ways as a frequent overdose.
As the senate continues it works on the antidrug bill, the house will meet only in a pro forma session which allows most representatives to be home and get ready for the upcoming elections in November.
