The Ongoing Opioid Crisis

Floor Speech

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Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the role of fentanyl and other synthetic analogs in the ongoing opioid crisis facing our Nation.

Thousands of Americans die each year as a result of overdoses caused by these dangerous substances, which mimic the effects of street drugs, but are significantly more powerful and more dangerous.

During last week's Homeland Security hearing, I asked Secretary Nielsen about any recent significant seizures of fentanyl at America's borders. Secretary Nielsen's response was absolutely frightening, as she informed the committee that the amount of fentanyl seized by ICE in the last year alone was enough to kill every living American twice.

This statistic should trouble each and every one of my colleagues. Congress must take immediate action to ensure law enforcement has all the necessary tools to prevent illicit synthetic opioids from entering the country.

My bill last Congress, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, would have addressed these issues, and I intend to reintroduce that bill in a similar legislation form in the coming months.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in the critical effort to combat substance abuse and save American lives.

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