Trump Presses Senate To Pass Bill Aimed At Ending Shipments Of Synthetic Opioids Into The U.S.

The bill, the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act, has already been passed by the House but a group of eight health industry groups oppose part of the measure. Specifically, America's Health Insurance Plans, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and other groups are pushing back against a provision that would require private insurance plans to pay more to cover kidney disease before Medicare becomes the primary payer. The change is meant to offset the costs of the bill, which includes a range of steps designed to counter the opioid epidemic.

The Washington Post: Trump Urges GOP-Led Senate To Pass Bill Cracking Down On Fentanyl Shipments

President Trump on Monday urged the Republican-led Senate to pass legislation intended to crack down on shipments of illicit fentanyl through the international postal system, writing on Twitter: “No more delay!” Leaders from both chambers announced a bipartisan agreement in June on the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention Act, which the House passed shortly thereafter. The Senate has yet to act on the bill, as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has focused on confirming federal judges and passing appropriations bills. (Wagner and Somnez, 8/20)

The Hill: Trump Presses Senate On Opioid Crisis: 'No More Delay!'

The bipartisan bill passed the House in June, but has not been taken up in the Senate. The Senate hoped to vote on a package aimed at addressing the opioid crisis by Labor Day, but that is becoming unlikely as it deals with a Supreme Court nominee and other priorities. "The leader had an event on opioids just last week. It’s a priority for the Leader and the relevant chairman are working on a time agreement to bring it to the floor," said Don Stewart, the deputy chief of staff for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), referring to the Senate's opioids package. (Hellmann and Fabian, 8/20)

The Hill: Top Lobbying Groups Urge Senate To Oppose Parts Of House-Passed Opioids Bill

Powerful lobbying groups are pushing back against a House-passed bill intended to address the growing opioid epidemic. America's Health Insurance Plans led eight industry groups in a letter to Senate leadership Monday, asking that they oppose a provision in the House measure. (Hellmann, 8/20)

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