The House overwhelmingly approved a compromise package bolstering federal steps against illicit drugs today, as lawmakers of both parties flocked to cast an election-year vote to stem the nation's surge of deaths among drug abusers.
The legislation was approved 407-5, underscoring the broad support it has attracted to combat a problem that claims victims across racial, economic and geographic lines.
"let's come together and get the job done. What we're doing will save lives," said Rep Fred Upton, R-Mich, chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
Unlike many bills in this highly partisan Congress, the House-Senate compromise was written by members of both parties, and early versions of the measure were approved overwhelmingly by both chambers.
Democrats initially refused to endorse the final accord that House-Senate bargainers produced this week, complaining that it contained no actual money to finance its programs. But Democrats decided it was better to back the measure and push for more money in future spending Bills.