A bipartisan bill that authorizes programs to fight opioid abuse passed in the Senate Thursday with a vote of 94-1, according to The Hill.
Many Democrats are concerned the bill does not include an amendment that would have allotted $600 million in emergency funding for communities affected by the drug epidemic, according to the report. However, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) countered that about $400 million from last year's omnibus spending bill could be used to fund the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act.
The bill was only opposed by Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) who was unsure the federal government was the best entity to address opioid addiction, according to the report.
An identical House bill currently has 92 co-sponsors, according to the report.
More articles on legal and regulatory issues:
NJ physician allegedly took bribes in $100M fraud scheme
Emory hospital reports massive drug theft scheme
Missouri hospital to pay physician $751k in wrongful termination suit