U.s. congressman Rodney davis proudly representing the 13th district of illinois

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after the Senate passed the bipartisan, bicameral compromise to fight our nation’s prescription drug abuse and heroin epidemic. S. 524, Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) of 2016, includes 18 bills the passed by the House earlier this year to address this epidemic. This legislation, which passed the House last week, now heads to the president’s desk for signature.

“Every 12 minutes someone dies from a drug overdose in the U.S.,” said Davis. “Prescription drug abuse is on the rise and making its way into our communities. The number of opioids such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and codeine prescribed in the U.S. have quadrupled since 1999 and so have the number of deaths from overdoses. I am proud that this Congress was able to come together to pass meaningful legislation that will help address this epidemic impacting our communities. This is an epidemic that is not limited to any one socioeconomic status or geographical area – addiction can happen to anyone. The legislation that’s headed to the president’s desk will help our states and law enforcement fight this epidemic by clarifying guidelines for physician oversight, reforming drug treatment programs, and increasing training for first responders.”

CLICK HERE to watch Davis' floor speech in support of this legislation.

In 2014, there were more than 1,700 drug overdose deaths in Illinois – the 8th highest in the nation. Many of these deaths occur in and around Chicago but communities in the 13th District have seen a significant increase in opioid possession arrests and overdose deaths.

Earlier this week, Davis accompanied McLean County’s K-9 Unit on a ride along to discuss McLean County’s increase in opioid overdose deaths and 70 percent increase in controlled substance arrests.