WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) released the following statement in response to the Senate’s bipartisan passage of S. 524, the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 (CARA), by a 92-2 vote. The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives in May and will now head to the president’s desk to be signed in to law.

“This comprehensive legislation represents a critical step forward in combatting addiction and its devastating effects,” Sen. Moran said. “Far too many Americans suffer from this epidemic or know someone who does. This bipartisan legislative accomplishment will help our communities fight back against this serious health crisis – improving lives and preventing the destruction of many more.”

CARA helps address the national epidemics of prescription opioid and heroin abuse through expansion of drug prevention efforts and access to treatment, support for law enforcement and techniques to combat overdoses. Drug overdoses currently claim the lives of 129 Americans each day and only about 10 percent of those suffering from addiction are receiving help. This legislation has the support of more than 200 anti-drug groups.

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