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At an Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) questioned an official from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) about law enforcement efforts to combat the opioid epidemic and coordination between the agency and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The hearing, entitled “Combatting the Opioid Crisis: Helping Communities Balance Enforcement and Patient Safety,” focused on finding solutions to the epidemic that is prevalent in communities across the country. The hearing kicks off a push by the Energy and Commerce Committee to pass legislation addressing the opioid crisis in the coming months. Latta has introduced the INFO Act, legislation that would improve the collection and availability of data relating to opioids.

“The opioid epidemic has hit Ohio hard and overdoses across the state continue to rise,” said Latta. “Finding solutions needs to be a priority here in Congress, and that’s why it’s so important that the Energy and Commerce Committee is beginning a full-court press to get legislation to the President’s desk to curb the abuse of opioids, treat those that are addicted to drugs, and hold accountable those that bring illicit drugs into our communities. Today, we heard valuable testimony that will be essential as we improve coordination between federal agencies, state and local governments, law enforcement, health care professionals, and advocates.”
 
Latta led off his questions to DEA Deputy Assistant Attorney Susan Gibson from the agency’s Diversion Control Division by asking about DEA’s coordination with HHS and followed up by asking about what DEA is doing to stop the importation of fentanyl. Video of the questions and Ms. Gibson’s response is available here.



Latta’s introduction of the INFO Act continues his work on an issue that has greatly impacted Ohio. In 2016, Ohio had a 32 percent increase in deaths from the previous year with 4,050 losing their life from unintentional drug overdose. Initial statistics indicate even more deaths from accidental overdoses occurred last year, as there were 5,232 deaths in the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2017.

In addition to the INFO Act, Latta has asked the Food and Drug Administration to look at ways that the Safeguarding America’s Pharmaceuticals Act — also known as “Track and Trace” — could be used to prevent opioids from being diverted from the supply chain and falling into the wrong hands. He also has participated in discussions at the White House about what can be done to reverse the staggering growth of opioid use, addiction, and overdoses.

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