“Today is International Overdose Awareness Day. We remember the people who died from drug overdoses and support their families. We must stop deadly drugs, punish drug traffickers, and help people who are addicted.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize International Overdose Awareness Day. Today, we remember the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives to overdose, and we remember the families, friends, and the communities left behind. However, these aren’t statistics. They are our neighbors, our family members, and our friends. No race, gender, ZIP Code, or family is immune from this epidemic. International Overdose Awareness Day is a chance to remember those we have lost, stand with those in recovery, and recognize the people on the front lines who are working to save lives. We have a responsibility to do everything we can to stop these deadly drugs from reaching our communities, hold those who traffic them accountable, and make sure people struggling with addiction can get the help that they need. Today, we remember those who were taken from this world far too soon, and we recommit ourselves to making sure fewer families experience this kind of pain.”