Senate Sends Final Opioid Package to President’s Desk

Congress in a rare bipartisan effort approved a wide-ranging bill designed to address the opioid crisis. President Trump has vowed to sign the sprawling legislation, which was overwhelmingly approved Oct. 3 by the Senate and last month by the House.

“I’m glad we could include so many voices in this discussion, and that it led to a bill that offers so many ideas to address the different angles of this crisis,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), ranking Democrat on the Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee. “Of course while this is an important bill and an impactful step forward, it is not a final step by any means.”

The measure — the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 — includes a requirement for prescription opioids to be packaged in three- or seven-day blister packs to deter misuse. It also includes provisions aimed at improving state prescription drug monitoring programs as a safeguard against “doctor-shopping.”