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Senator calls for USDA voice on Presidential drug commission
A member of the Senate Ag Committee says a new Trump Administration commission that will address rising opioid addiction should include the Secretary of Agriculture.
Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown says the commission will include the Secretaries of Health & Human Services, Defense, Veterans Affairs and the Attorney General. He says, given the USDA’s programs that address opioid addiction, the Ag Secretary needs to be a part of that commission.
“USDA’s helped in the fight against opioid’s with its Rural Development Grant Program like the Community Facilities Program which helps rural communities expand local resources like public safety services and medical facilities,” says Brown.
He tells Brownfield he talked with Ag Secretary nominee Sonny Perdue about continuing the USDA’s commitment to fight opioid addiction saying Ohio has been one of the hardest hit states by the epidemic.
“Come to Ohio and learn from those on the front lines dealing with a disease, an illness that kills more Ohioans than any other state,” says Brown.
The Washington Post reports the commission will be led by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a formal announcement will be made later this week.
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