GOP trains focus on opioid abuse

The GOP is keeping the political spotlight on opioid abuse, using the weekly address to emphasize the tragedy of children born addicted to drugs and push legislation to help research the epidemic.

{mosads}“Their bodies shake with tremors, and their cries are heartbreaking. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome, and it is truly a terrible way to come into this world. Unfortunately, it is becoming all too common. This is especially true in my home state of West Virginia,” Rep. Evan Jenkins said.

Jenkins spoke about a law enacted in November that is aimed at developing treatments for expecting mothers addicted to opioids. And he said he hopes to expand understanding of the condition through his recently introduced Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act.

“The Nurturing and Supporting Healthy Babies Act is just one of a number of initiatives Republicans and Democrats are working on to combat opioid abuse. We are focused on getting a bill to the president’s desk in the coming weeks,” Jenkins said.

“This struggle is a national epidemic. It could happen to anyone. But no one deserves to start his or her life in withdrawal. It is our responsibility to care for the most vulnerable in our society. And that is why I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this done.”