The House approved a series of bills aimed at combating and treating the nation’s opioid epidemic.  The rate of overdose deaths involving opioids continues to rise at dramatic rates, frequently involving prescribed pain relievers like oxycodone and hydrocodone.  This epidemic is devastating lives, families, and communities across our country.  The legislation would create a comprehensive opioid abuse reduction program at the Department of Justice and allocate resources for states and local governments to provide prevention and treatment services in their communities.  Since the Senate has passed a slightly different version of this legislation, a conference committee is the next step to getting a comprehensive solution on the president’s desk.  This is a good example of Congress working together to address and solve problems facing the American people.  

I questioned a panel of entrepreneurs on how the Department of Labor (DOL) overtime rule would impact small businesses during a Small Business Committee hearing titled “Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Learning from the Experts.”

Susan Solovic, a witness on the panel, responded, “It will cost jobs in many, many small businesses.” Please watch the full testimony in the video below:  

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