Fighting Deadly Fentanyl

Opioid abuse has been a problem in America for years, but now that stronger and stronger substances are being introduced, the problem is as concerning as ever. According to the National Institute of Health, fentanyl-related deaths have been rising at an alarming rate, jumping from about 2,500 in 2013 to over 20,000 in 2016.

That is why I introduced a bill today that will amend the Controlled Substances Act to decrease the amount of fentanyl that carries a minimum five-year sentence from ten grams to two grams.

The laws we have on the books right now aren’t discouraging people from dealing and taking massive quantities of fentanyl. It’s time to try something new. I believe this bill will benefit communities and families in Wisconsin by keeping both criminals and fentanyl off the streets.

To read more about the dangerous drug fentanyl, please click here.

Critical Funding

Today, I voted in favor of H.R. 5895, which is a government funding bill that includes much needed relief for our veterans, military and Capitol Police.

This bill will take care of our soldiers by providing funding for improved housing, medical facilities and other crucial infrastructure. It will also streamline funding to the VA to improve veteran care. Specifically, it works to reduce the disability claims processing backlog, which currently stands at more than 450,000.

Many of you will remember at this time last year, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) was nearly fatally shot while at a practice for the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity. The reason he survived, and that more people weren't hurt, is because of the brave efforts of two Capitol Police officers who were able to stop the shooter. Within H.R. 5895 is increased funding for Capitol Police. We need to make sure they are put in a position to triumph when faced with danger.

For more information on this bill, please click here .

HHS Secretary Alex Azar

This week, in a House Committee on Education and the Workforce hearing, I questioned U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar about the opioid abuse epidemic in America and the best ways to combat it. In his answers, Secretary Azar proposed several solutions found in my bills aimed at fighting the opioid abuse epidemic; The Responsible Opioid Prescription Act and The Improving the Federal Response to Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder Act.

Opioid-related deaths have more than quadrupled over the past 20 years as the number of opioids prescribed has increased. In 2015 alone, more than 50,000 Americans died as a result of heroin and prescription drug overdose. It is time we buckle down and put an end to this terrible problem.

For more information and the full video of my questioning, please click here.

Weekly Roundup

I met with the Propane Pros of the Wisconsin Propane Gas Association. We discussed burdensome regulations and ways we can fuel economic growth in Wisconsin.

Improving the quality and lowering the costs of health care continues to be one of my priorities. Thanks to the Wisconsin Health Care Association and the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living for stopping by to discuss how we can accomplish this.

The National Milk Producers Federation stopped in this week to give me an update on the dairy industry and discuss how we can keep Wisconsin's signature industry fresh, tasty and local.

It's always a pleasure to meet with the Wisconsin Farm Bureau. We need to make sure the farmers of Wisconsin's 6th district have the resources and freedom they need to thrive!

I met with the RV Industry Association to talk about the business of recreational vehicles.

I was very impressed with the students of the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, they have bright futures ahead of them!

Contact Me

As your congressman, I’m here to serve you. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to my offices in Fond du Lac and Washington. If you enjoyed this newsletter be sure to forward it to your family and friends so they can stay informed on what I’m doing in Washington and the 6th District.

Sincerely,

Glenn Grothman
Member of Congress