Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Buddy Carter, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, delivered an opening statement at a hearing titled "Combatting Existing and Emerging Illicit Drug Threats." He addressed concerns about the impact of illicit drugs in the United States.
Carter criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for its handling of drug-related issues. "As we gavel in the first Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, American families across the country continue to suffer from failures of the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous four years and its inability to address one of the greatest public health threats of our lifetimes: the illicit drugs pouring over our borders," he stated.
He noted that under previous administrations, there was a significant increase in drug overdoses due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Carter highlighted data from Customs and Border Protection, which reported confiscating over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl last fiscal year. "That is enough fentanyl to kill every American several times over," he remarked.
The congressman pointed out that overdose deaths peaked at nearly 108,000 in 2023 under the current administration. He emphasized that illicit fentanyl overdoses are now a leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 45.
Carter proposed expanding access to overdose reversal treatments such as naloxone and securing borders against illegal drugs. He credited former President Trump with making progress on these issues by negotiating with Mexico and Canada. "With President Trump’s leadership, we must continue to crack down on China, Mexico, and anyone who smuggles fentanyl," Carter urged.
He also mentioned legislative efforts by his committee aimed at addressing these challenges. "Later today the House will vote on a bill developed by this Committee, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," he said.
Carter concluded by expressing hope for future progress: "I look forward to hearing that testimony and working alongside my colleagues on addressing these issues."
Alerts Sign-up