Fact Check: Did Mike Rogers help create legislation that kicked off the opioid epidemic?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Abdul El-Sayed (D)


Claim: Former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers “helped to architect the legislation that kicked off the opioid epidemic.”


Rating: MOSTLY FALSE


Explanation: Rogers supported legislation intended to study chronic pain and expand access to pain treatments, including opioid medications. However, the policy did not become law until 2010, more than a decade after the opioid epidemic had already begun.


View Full Fact Check


Date: 08/19/2026


★ SUPPORT OUR MISSION

MBFC relies entirely on readers like you.

No corporate or political donors. Your support keeps our 10,000+ ratings 100% independent.

Starting at $3 /month — ad-free + exclusive content
  • Remove all ads instantly
  • Members only content and ratings
  • Support independent ratings
  • Cancel any time — no strings

★ Go Ad-Free — from $3/mo ❤ One-Time Donation Data API Access

Membership removes ads • Donations do not

Last Updated on August 19, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check

★ SUPPORT OUR MISSION

MBFC relies entirely on readers like you.

No corporate or political donors. Your support keeps our 11,000+ ratings 100% independent.

Starting at $3 /month — ad-free + exclusive content
  • Remove all ads instantly
  • Support independent ratings
  • Cancel any time — no strings
★ Go Ad-Free — from $3/mo ❤ One-Time Donation Data API Access
Membership removes ads • Donations do not

Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources