Shaheen Statement on President Trump’s Announcement on the Opioid Epidemic

After attending the White House event this afternoon where President Trump declared a national public health emergency, Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement: 

“I am encouraged that President Trump made a public health emergency declaration and hope that we can work together to ensure that it includes a comprehensive plan and adequate resources to make it a success,” said Shaheen. “Though today’s announcement was a positive step, we need this declaration to be backed up by significant resources for those working tirelessly on the front lines. In dozens of visits to New Hampshire during the campaign, President Trump promised significant support to end this epidemic, and we’re still waiting for meaningful follow through. I will continue to work with, and urge, the Trump administration to prioritize response efforts and ensure desperately needed federal aid reaches New Hampshire and affected communities across the nation.”

Senator Shaheen is the lead Democrat on the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee. Senator Shaheen has been a leader in Congress on combating the opioid crisis, and was instrumental in efforts to obtain emergency funding through the 21st Century Cures Act that was signed into law by President Obama last year. Earlier this year, she helped secure over $700 million in additional opioid treatment resources. Yesterday, Senator Shaheen helped unveil legislation to invest $45 billion to address the opioid crisis, which would be the largest response bill to combat the epidemic to date.