is congress a part of the opioid crisis in the us and other attached questions
Assignment #1: Is Congress a part of the Opioid Crisis in the US?
In a 4-6 page (full pages of content) research style paper, answer the following questions. Please follow the MLA style format for research papers and citations. Double-spacing. You must use at least 4 sources (do not include Wikipedia as a citation).
- Research the efforts that Congress has taken to address the opioid crisis in the US. Why did it become necessary for the federal government to address the issue?
- Discuss the lobbying efforts from “Big Pharma†with Congress and their efforts to get favorable legislation to be passed and upheld. What do they ultimately want from Congress?
- Research our state’s US Senator’s serving in Congress. Once you identify those Senators, research how much money each of them has received from pharmaceutical companies Open this website in a new browser: https://www.opensecrets.org/industries/summary.php…++
Additionally, research how much money Republicans and Democrats have received in 2018-2019?
Go to https://votesmart.org/interest-groups#.WeTUbrpFzXM
Research the rating that those Senators received in voting regarding for/against the pharmaceutical industry.
- What is the relationship that Congress has with the Drug Enforcement Agency in ensuring that opioid usage is being enforced? Do you think Congress is arming the DEA with more or less effective laws to stopping abuse?
- What is The Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act which was passed by Congress? Does it strengthen or weaken the DEA to be effective in stopping abuse by pharmacies or drug distributors? What were the votes for our state’s Senators on this Act?
- Conclusion: Does Congress’ accepting of the Big Pharma lobby money contribute to the opioid crisis in the country by not putting enough controls on the distribution of opioids (painkillers, etc.) or has Congress been effective in pushing for stronger reforms on drug companies?
Background on the Opioid Crisis:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ex-dea-agent-opioid-c…
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2017/inves…
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/451535/opioi…
http://www.newsweek.com/has-big-pharma-made-americ…
