Besides the sheer numbers, Congress has been drawn to the problem because of its broad impact on Republican, Democratic and swing states alike. The states with the highest death rates per resident include West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Hampshire, along with the District of Columbia. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin and Florida Sen. Bill Nelson, both Democrats, are among those facing competitive re-election races in November’s midterm elections. Money for much of the federal spending the legislation envisions would have to be provided in separate spending bills. The House approved its own drug legislation this summer.

Source: Huffington Post September 17, 2018 23:15 UTC