U.S. Reps. Clark, Kennedy Push Bills To Battle Opioid Abuse

Two members of the state's congressional delegation have pushed legislation through the U.S. House aimed at addressing opioid abuse in Massachusetts and the nation.

A bill sponsored by Rep. Katherine Clark intended to help newborns suffering from exposure to opioids unanimously passed the House on Tuesday.

Clark said the bill instructs the federal Department of Health and Human Services to come up with the best ways to diagnose and treat "neonatal abstinence syndrome" and help states collect data on the problem.

Also Tuesday, Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III won approval in the House for a bill he co-sponsored with Kentucky Republican Rep. Ed Whitfield.

The bill reauthorizes a program that supports state prescription drug monitoring efforts aimed at fighting prescription drug abuse.

The bills now head to the Senate.