Portman hopeful on anti-drug bill

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

Ohio’s Republican U.S. senator said Monday he expects the nation’s opioid abuse crisis to transcend election-year politics as Congress tries to work out compromise legislation on the problem.

Rob Portman toured First Step Home, which provides residential treatment and out-patient programs for addicted mothers. Portman is a chief sponsor of a Senate-passed bill aimed at issues including prevention, treatment and law enforcement help.

The U.S. House just passed a slew of bills on varied aspects of the problem, although critics say the measures lack funding to get much done.

President Barack Obama has proposed another $1.1 billion for the problem. GOP leaders want the House and Senate to develop compromise legislation to send to Obama before Congress’ summer recess in July.

“I’m hopeful now that we can get this done, even in an election year,” said Portman, who’s in a tight battle for re-election against Democratic former Gov. Ted Strickland.