Contact: Giselle Barry (Markey) 2022242742

While in the House of Reps., lawmaker introduced bipartisan Pill Mill Act to address epidemic of prescription drug addition

Washington (October 24, 2013) - Senator Edward J. Markey (DMass.), a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced it would take steps to reclassify painkillers like hydrocodone into the most restrictive category of drugs that can be prescribed.  

 

"I commend the FDA for finally taking action on the drugs that are fueling an epidemic of painkiller addiction in communities, doctor's offices, and homes across the country. Earlier this year, Rep. Vern Buchanan and I requested the FDA reclassify painkillers such as hydrocodone, which the agency's own advisory committee also recommended at the time. And in 2011 we introduced the bipartisan Pill Mill Act that would have placed tighter restrictions on prescription painkillers and provided law enforcement the resources they need to identify and stop illegal drug activities. Today is an important step in addressing the scourge of painkiller addiction, and I look forward to continuing to work with my Congressional colleagues on this critical issue."