Congress sends Obama compromise bill to curb drug abuse

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate has given final congressional approval to a compromise bill aimed at curbing abuse of heroin and prescription painkillers, a nationwide epidemic that causes tens of thousands of deaths every year.

The Senate approved the bill, 92-2, on Wednesday. It now goes to President Barack Obama.

The measure creates grants and other programs aimed at addressing drug abuse, especially heroin and opioids, a crippling problem that claims victims across racial, economic and geographic lines. There were more than 47,000 U.S. drug abuse fatalities in 2014 - double the death rate in 2000.

Democrats complained the election-year bill does not include money to pay for its programs, but said it was better to back the measure and push for more money in future spending bills.