WASHINGTON, DC - Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Greg Walden (R-OR) comments on the successful lawsuit by The Washington Post and ownership group for the Charleston Gazette-Mail. This lifted the protective order in the multi-district litigation, revealing unsealed internal company documents and exposing details about the distribution of opioids not previously known.
“We now know 76 billion pain pills flooded the country and unsealed internal company documents show - with vivid detail - how the opioid distribution got out of control. These recent reports are devastating, but not surprising. In fact, it validates the Energy and Commerce investigation, strengthens the veracity of our conclusions, and underscores the absolute necessity of continued Congressional oversight of this crisis.
“This work is too important; the truth must be exposed. I respectfully urge Chairman Pallone and House Democrats to continue our bipartisan oversight of this crisis, including the investigation into opioid manufacturers," said Walden.
Background:
Last Congress, the Committee on Energy and Commerce Committee released a 325-page report uncovering numerous warning signs and red flags missed by wholesale drug distributors and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that contributed to the opioid epidemic.
This report followed extensive work by the Committee, holding hearings with DEA officials and drug distributors, and the landmark SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act becoming law. The law represents the most significant effort to combat a single drug crisis in history.
Earlier this year, on Feb. 11, Energy and Commerce leaders sent a letter to the Majority to hold additional hearings on opioid distribution, and continue the committee’s investigation into opioid manufacturing and patient brokering. Committee Republicans appreciate the Majority continuing the necessary fentanyl investigation.
