April 21, 2026
Please see below a statement from O’Neill Institute expert Regina LaBelle, director of the Center on Addiction and Public Policy, regarding a federal judge’s expected sentencing order on Tuesday that will require Purdue Pharma to forfeit $225 million to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Accountability shouldn’t end at a check.
Today marks a major milestone in the Purdue Pharma settlement. As the federal government prepares to receive $225 million from this settlement, oversight of these funds remains important.
Unlike state and local funds, federal settlement dollars can be sent into the General Treasury. Federal funds should be on treatment, prevention, and recovery.
As Purdue is held accountable for the damage it caused, the settlement money should be spent on healing that damage — not padding the General Treasury.”