Remarks, as prepared for delivery:

“Thank you Chairman Roe and Ranking Member Walz for allowing me to share my thoughts on how to combat the opioid epidemic that is impacting our veterans.

Our veterans gave so much for our country and we owe them our unending gratitude. We have one percent of the population defending 100 percent of our freedom. My bill, H.R. 5829, the VA Opioid Prescribing Rates Accountability Act, would reduce opioid over-prescribing within the VA without any complex mandates or expensive programs. The bill simply requires the VA to show its doctors their individual opioid prescribing rates compared to their peers.

The top 10 percent of prescribers each year must then receive additional training on pain management. Reducing opioid over-prescribing and highlighting alternative pain management is something we can all support.  Senator Jim Inhofe has taken the lead on this bill on the Senate side.

Again, thank you Mr. Chairman for allowing me to share my thoughts on a piece of opioid legislation that will better take care of our veterans. Thank you for your consideration.”