Rep. Fred Upton and Rep. Debbie Dingell Team Up to Battle Opioid Addiction
They also discuss the issue of Democrats and Republicans working together to address serious issues.
In the current political era it’s often easy to forget that there are Republicans and Democrats who want to work with their colleagues across the aisle. Bipartisanship isn’t a dirty word so much as a seemingly extinct concept in Washington D.C.
But in our state there are some members of Congress who enjoy working collaboratively on tough issues.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) are two lawmakers who pride themselves on their ability to work with members of both parties on tough issues. This week they introduced legislation together to combat opioid addiction.
The lawmakers join Detroit Today with Stephen Henderson to discuss the provisions of the proposed legislation.
The measure would provide for research into new pain medications free of the addictive qualities of opioids often prescribed for pain at hospitals.
They also discuss the issue of Democrats and Republicans working together to address serious issues.
“I think most Americans as they look back to Washington, they’d say, ‘Look at those dysfunctional idiots,'” says Upton. “We need to put our best ideas forward… Debbie and I…are not afraid to speak on behalf of our constituents in a bipartisan way.”
“I feel very strongly that compromise is not a dirty word,” says Dingell. “How do we help those who need help?”
Click on the audio player above to hear the full conversation.
