Rep. Robert Pittenger
WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) called on both the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearings on the Drug Enforcement Agency’s ability to crack down on suspicious shipments of opioids.
Congressman Pittenger’s request follows recent media reports, as well as opioid concerns expressed by constituents at town hall meetings.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee has responded by scheduling a hearing on Wednesday, October 25th. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has responded by requesting detailed information from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“Opioid abuse is a crisis. We must ensure the DEA has the appropriate tools, authorities, and focus to combat this crisis. The first step is a careful review of the facts, which I have asked for from the relevant committees. This will continue to be a priority,” said Congressman Pittenger.
Last year, Congressman Pittenger co-sponsored and helped pass the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes $1 billion in state grants to combat the opioid epidemic. $15.5 million of the grant was released to North Carolina in April, with additional funding to come in 2018.
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