|
Edited on Thu Jun-29-06 08:44 AM by newyawker99
Editorial note: I just learned how to spell "Oxycontin," which is typically pronouned like "Oxicotton," Rush's poison of choice.
***
House OKs Medical Oxicontin Prosecutions
By ANDREW TAYLOR (Edited by Ian_rd with apologies to Mr. Taylor) The Associated Press
WASHINGTON -- The House on Wednesday voted to continue to allow federal prosecution of those who use oxicontin for medical purposes in states with laws that permit it.
A year ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government can prosecute medical oxicontin users, even when state laws allow doctor-prescribed use of the drug.
By a 259-163 vote, the House again turned down an amendment that would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting people in the 11 states with such medical oxicontin laws.
Advocates say medical oxycontin use is the only way that many chronically ill people, such as AIDS and cancer patients, can relieve their symptoms.
The vote came as the House debated a $59.8 billion bill covering the departments of Commerce, Justice and State.
"If the voters have seen to it and a doctor agrees, it's a travesty for the government to intercede ... to get in the way of someone using something to alleviate their suffering," said Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif. "This is something that should be left to the states as American tradition dictates." ==========================================
EDIT: COPYRIGHT. PLEASE POST ONLY 4 OR 5 PARAGRAPHS FROM THE COPYRIGHTED NEWS SOURCE PER DU RULES AND PROVIDE A LINK TO THE NEWS SOURCE.
|