House tries to sort out legislative response to drug abuse

The Senate last month passed a bill 94-1 that would create grants to bolster state and local programs aimed at reducing overdose deaths.

At a news conference Thursday, a bipartisan group of House lawmakers pushed for a package of bills including similar grants and legislation to reduce over-prescribing and improve treatment.

In both chambers, Republican lawmakers facing tough re-election bids in states most affected by drug abuse have led efforts to get the legislation passed.

The Senate bill would provide no new money for the grants; Republicans said previously approved money could be used and more could be provided when Congress writes next year's spending bills.

There would be grants for helping veterans and pregnant offenders, and funds for using drugs like naloxone that can reverse opiate overdoses and for local law enforcement efforts.