May 17, 2016

Collins to Serve on Opioid Legislation Conference Committee

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Doug Collins was selected to serve on the Conference Committee to work with the Senate to produce final legislation on fighting the nation’s opioid epidemic. Last week, the House passed a series of bills to prevent, fight, and treat opioid addiction. The Senate has also passed legislation to combat opioid abuse, and the conferees will be tasked with resolving differences between the two chambers’ legislation to produce a final bill. Congressman Collins issued the following statement on being appointed to the Conference Committee:

“Addressing this problem head-on is the only way we can fight the opioid epidemic that is gripping the lives of so many in this country. Last week the House passed several bills that would provide grants for treatment programs, better equip law enforcement to deal with drug-related crime, and develop new programs to prevent opioid abuse. In Georgia, we have seen this problem growing at an alarming rate. I have heard stories first-hand from my constituents about the toll substance abuse, especially opioids, has taken on their communities. We have seen an increase in heroin use, which has had the tragic consequence of leading to an increase in overdose deaths. No community is immune to this problem. Veterans can be particularly at risk of falling into the trap of addiction as a result of PTSD and the over-prescription of opioid drugs. We have to find a way to stop this.”

“The Senate also passed legislation to address this problem, which contained some notable differences from the House version. To resolve those differences, the House and Senate will go to conference to find the best way to merge the two bills, so these programs can begin helping people as soon as possible. I am proud to be named as a conferee, and look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues to produce a strong and meaningful product. Addiction is a terrible disease, and it has claimed too many victims already. We have been called to act in a united front to prevent the tragedies inflicted on too many families due to these drugs.”

 

Congressman Collins: Court Ruling an Opportunity to Protect Religious Freedom

 Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to send the case of Zubik v. Burwell back to the lower courts in order to reach a compromise between parties on the overreaching Obamacare contraceptive mandate. Congressman Collins issued the following statement on the ruling:

“By vacating the lower-court ruling, Little Sisters of the Poor, and their fellow petitioners, will have an opportunity to seek a compromise that will accommodate their religious objections to the contraceptive mandate. The Sisters have been called to lifelong service because of their deeply held religious beliefs, and the court’s decision shows a willingness to reach a resolution that will not force the Sisters to violate their conscience. The contraceptive mandate is another example of this administration’s attempts at bullying the American public into following flawed policy. The ruling was a victory for the Little Sisters of the Poor, but it should not take a court decision to ensure that people are not forced to violate their religious beliefs. As one of the 200 Members of Congress who signed an amicus curiae brief in support of the Little Sisters of the Poor, I will continue to fight for a full repeal of Obamacare, and replace it with a patient-centered solution that works for individuals, small businesses, religious organizations, and families alike.”