Tim Kaine statement on confirmation of National Drug Control Policy director Michael Botticelli

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on Senate confirmation of Michael Botticelli as Director of National Drug Control Policy.

“Drug abuse impacts families and communities across Virginia, and I appreciate Mr. Botticelli’s commitment to combatting this epidemic through expanded access to overdose treatments, education, and criminal justice system reforms,” said Kaine. “After meeting with Mr. Botticelli in July to discuss the opioid crisis in Virginia, I am confident in his leadership as we address the complex issue of drug abuse.”

This summer, Kaine participated in a Project REVIVE training session in Lebanon, where he and other participants learned how to administer naloxone. Kaine also co-sponsored the Opioid Overdose Reduction Act, bipartisan “Good Samaritan” legislation that would protect individuals from civil liability who prescribe naloxone.

In June 2014, Kaine joined 11 members of the Virginia Congressional Delegation to call on Governor McAuliffe to establish a statewide task force to address the growing heroin epidemic in Virginia. Governor McAuliffe answered their call by forming a task force in September.