(Concord, NH) – Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force, release the following statement on President Trump’s signing of a government funding bill that included priorities important to New Hampshire and championed by Kuster.

“The federal spending bill we secured this week was a win for the Granite State and communities across the country struggling with the opioid epidemic,” said Kuster. “I’ve fought for additional resources to tackle the opioid crisis and for changes to ensure that the states hardest hit, like New Hampshire, receive appropriate funding. Importantly, this funding measure also strengthens the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which I fought to fund and President Trump had proposed to cut by 95%. I’ll continue to bring together Republicans and Democrats to provide support for those on the frontlines of this crisis so that we can help create healthier futures for our communities.

“The funding measure we advanced included numerous important priorities for New Hampshire. It funded the Northern Border Regional Commission, which I have long fought for and President Trump had also proposed to eliminate. It increased funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs so we can better care for the men and women who have served in uniform. The measure codified several of my proposals including funding the U.S. Center for SafeSport to protect young athletes from sexual abuse, and my legislation to cut red tape for small farmers. We also included funding to expand rural broadband and support infrastructure projects. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to continue pushing for policies that will support New Hampshire and all Granite Staters. ”

###