Westerman Votes to Protect Veterans from Opioid Abuse

WASHINGTON – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) released the following statement Tuesday (May 10) upon passage of H.R. 4063, the Jason Simcakoski PROMISE Act:

“Providing world class care for our veterans is the primary mission of the Veterans Administration’s hospitals and clinics,” Westerman said. “Prescription opioids took the life of Jason Simcakoski. The PROMISE Act will prevent similar tragedies by revamping how VA facilities prescribe opioids. Employees will receive proper education and training so no veteran will needlessly lose his or her life under a doctor’s care.”

According to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, H.R. 4063 will:

• Improve Department of Veterans Affairs opioid safety measures;
• Strengthen the Joint Working Group on Pain Management of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense;
• Require a GAO investigation and report on VA opioid use and treatment; and
• Require disclosure of certain veteran information to state controlled substance monitoring programs.