Republican leaders in the House are not planning to include funding in new legislation crafted to address the nation's opioid abuse crisis, according to a Republican leadership aide as reported by The Hill.
The absence of funding in the bill is likely to incite conflict with House Democrats who have called for millions in additional funds to bolster prescription drug monitoring and physician education programs.
"We've already done the funding side of this," said Mike Long, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, in reference to $6 million allocated for opioid programs last year.
GOP leaders could face a backlash from certain members of its own party whose districts have been devastated by opioid abuse. Rep. Frank Guinta of New Hampshire has been pushing for more funding for opioid programs. Mr. Guinta, in contrast to The Hill's source, has stated that the House's opioid bill would be "a stronger, better, more funded bill" than the one passed in the Senate in March.
More articles on the opioid crisis:
A physician perspective on the opioid crisis: Q&A with Dr. James Campbell
Study: 32% of opioid prescriptions are abused in the US
Mass General: Addicts take opioids on hospital campus for quick intervention in case of OD