The opioid epidemic is a national tragedy, indiscriminately affecting individuals from all walks of life – regardless of socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location. With fentanyl emerging as the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, urgent action is needed to save lives.
Throughout Eastern Iowa, I have listened to the heartbreaking stories of families grappling with the loss of loved ones to overdose. Concerned parents fear the pervasive threat of synthetic opioids infiltrating our neighborhoods and schools. Law enforcement officers tirelessly combat the influx of these deadly drugs on our streets.
As the opioid and fentanyl crisis continues to rage through our communities, over $55 billion in settlement funds are moving toward states, counties, and municipalities to address this catastrophe. However, in some cases, these funds have already fallen short of their intended purpose.
For example, in Greene County, Tennessee, $2.4 million was put toward paying off the county’s debt, and another $50,000 was used to buy a “litter crew vehicle.”
This misallocation of funds echoes the mishandling of tobacco settlements in the 1990s when many states redirected funding meant for anti-smoking initiatives to transportation projects or to balance budgets. A Government Accountability Office Report revealed that only 3.5% of settlement dollars were used for tobacco control — a stark failure that should serve as a cautionary tale.
We can’t let history repeat itself. Every dime of opioid settlement funds must be dedicated to prevention efforts, aiding those battling addiction, and supporting anti-narcotic enforcement. Fortunately, Iowa is leading by example. The state legislature allocates settlement funds through the Iowa Opioid Memorandum of Understanding, mandating their use for opioid abatement activities. I am working to establish Iowa’s approach as the national standard, ensuring these funds are not misused by politicians in other states for unrelated activities.
That’s why I worked across the aisle with Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH-09) to introduce the Opioid Settlement Accountability Act. Our bipartisan initiative seeks to provide accountability, shielding these funds from misuse and acting as a proactive guardrail as these funds are distributed. The bill specifically mandates funds be used for treatment for opioid use, education on the dangers of opioid abuse for patients and doctors, long-term recovery services, and support for law enforcement and first responders who battle this crisis on the frontlines every day.
As the opioid epidemic continues to wreak havoc on communities and devastate families, I am proud to work across the aisle on efforts that will help curb the crisis, ensure those suffering from addiction can seek treatment, and save lives. There isn’t a dime to waste.
