DRUGS/HOUSE OF REPS/PHARMA: “House Republicans will begin a series of legislative hearings next week as the first step in an effort to pass bipartisan bills tackling the opioid crisis.
The plan from the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which will hold the first hearing on Feb. 28, will likely require additional funding from Congress, lawmakers said. Bills to be considered will focus on law enforcement, public health and prevention, and insurance coverage issues…
Two additional hearings will be held in March as lawmakers seek to push a measure through the House by the end of May. Republican committee leaders are already talking with Democrats and the Trump administration about the initiative and have received a positive response, Mr. Walden said.
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) has agreed to bring proposals to the floor, Republican staffers said.
The legislative drive could get significant attention in coming months because Congress and the administration have faced criticism for not providing a comprehensive strategy, or enough money, to tackle opioids.”
-Stephanie Armour and Kristina Peterson, “House Republicans Plan Legislative Hearings As First Step to Fight Opioid Crisis,” The Wall Street Journal online, Feb. 20, 2018 05:30am