House Energy and Commerce Committee Republicans have been traveling the country to promote House Republicans’ Commitment to America.

A NATION THAT’S SAFE

E&C Republicans are leading to stop the record amount of illicit fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances being illegally smuggled across the southern border and killing more people than ever, including children and young adults. Tragically, drug overdose deaths eclipsed the 100,000-mark last year with 71,000 instances caused by fentanyl or its analogues.

Energy and Commerce Committee Republican Leader Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) met with the Mobilize Recovery Across America bus tour in Spokane, Washington to address the ongoing substance use disorder crises harming communities across the state and country.

“In Congress, I’m continuing to lead on solutions like the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act, as well as the HALT Fentanyl Act, to get dangerous drugs off our streets and help connect people to the mental health resources they need,” Leader Rodgers said.

Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) traveled to America’s Southern border with members of the Florida Sheriffs Association and other local law enforcement officials. Deadly fentanyl continues to be smuggled across our southern border while the Biden administration refuses to take action.

“From speaking with those on the front lines at the border, it is clear that the crisis is worsening by the day and that our brave men and women who are trying to keep our country safe have not been given the manpower, equipment and other resources needed to do their jobs effectively,” Rep. Bilirakis said. “They are overwhelmed and need immediate assistance. The dangerous situation at the border has enriched and emboldened criminal cartels and fueled record fentanyl overdoses throughout the country.”

“As part of our commitment to ensuring a country that is safe, we must first properly fund all levels of law enforcement. Congress must also pass the HALT Fentanyl Act to ensure fentanyl and its related analogues are permanently listed as a Schedule 1 substance,” Rep. Bilirakis added. “In addition to stopping the supply for these illegal substances, we must also provide resources to reduce the demand side of the equation- focusing on education, prevention and ensuring access to quality behavioral health treatment. It is obvious that the drugs trafficked through do not remain in border states, like Arizona. There is an intricate and elaborate delivery system in place to quickly transport these deadly drugs to communities throughout the country; in effect making every state a border state. It will take a collaborative approach to truly turn the tides in the epidemic that is ravaging communities, like ours.”

Rep. Neal Dunn, M.D. (R-FL) held a meeting with law enforcement officials in his district to discuss the rise in overdoses caused by fentanyl and its analogues.

“These deadly drugs are tearing families and communities apart, and the only way to stop its spread is by working together to get it off our streets,” said Congressman Dunn. “Our law enforcement and first responders are on the frontlines of this epidemic, and their insight is critical to finding solutions at a federal level.”

E&C Republicans have been leading the HALT Fentanyl Act, H.R. 6184, which would place fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances. Democrats have blocked it on three occasions from being addressed on the House floor.

Rep. Morgan Griffth (R-VA) attended a roundtable on rising violent crime with Virginia law enforcement officials which was sponsored by the commonwealth’s Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Rep. Greg Pence (R-IN) joined Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr at the Hancock County, Indiana, 9-1-1 dispatch center. While there, they saw the challenges first responders face in protecting their community.

“As the federal representative for Greenfield, and Hancock County – we are always appreciative when we have the opportunity to host federal agency heads to help them get a greater understanding of the unique challenges we face in rural areas,” said Rep. Pence. “Our first responders in Hancock County and across Indiana work around the clock to keep us safe, and do an outstanding job with swift and coordinated emergency responses. On behalf of Indiana’s Sixth District, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Commissioner Carr for visiting Indiana to recognize the critical work these Hoosiers do.”