House OKs bill boosting drug treatment programs

WASHINGTON — The House overwhelmingly approved a compromise package bolstering federal steps against illicit drugs on Friday, as lawmakers of both parties flocked to cast an election-year vote to stem the nation’s surge of deaths among drug abusers.

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.

With the House’s lopsided vote, Senate Democratic aides said the measure was now on track to win final congressional approval from the Senate and is expected to be signed by President Obama.

The bill establishes grants for expanding treatment programs, boosting the availability of drugs that reverse overdoses and improving emergency workers’ training.