Today, Congressman Brett Guthrie and Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter announced a hearing focused on combating illicit drug threats. The hearing is set to address the ongoing opioid crisis and the emergence of new drugs like xylazine and nitazenes.
Chairmen Guthrie and Carter emphasized the impact of the drug crisis, stating, "With hundreds of thousands of people dying of opioid-related causes over the past few years, nearly every American has been touched by the illicit drug crisis. Reported data shows a slight decrease in overdose deaths, yet new threats—like xylazine and nitazenes—are emerging, which threaten to reverse any progress."
The Subcommittee on Health will conduct this hearing titled "Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats." It aims to continue efforts from last Congress to tackle drug trafficking, support those with substance use disorders, and offer hope to affected families and professionals.
The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET in Room 2123 of the Rayburn House Office Building. It will be open to both the public and press and can be viewed online via live stream at https://energycommerce.house.gov/.
For further inquiries about the hearing or press-related questions, contacts are provided: Emma Schultheis (Emma.Schultheis@mail.house.gov) for committee staff questions and Christopher Krepich (Christopher.Krepich@mail.house.gov) for press queries.
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