Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5274, the Prevent Exposure to Narcotics and Toxics Act, introduced by my friend and colleague, David Joyce.

This bill addresses the important issue of protecting our frontline Customs and Border Protection personnel from the dangerous and illicit drugs they encounter every day.

This is especially important as the situation at our southern border continues to worsen by the day under this administration. In fiscal year 2021, Customs and Border Protection officers and agents seized more than 914,000 pounds of illicit narcotics, and so far this fiscal year, CBP is on track to seize a similar amount of illegal drugs.

Unfortunately, in 2019, the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General issued a report that found CBP personnel were not adequately protected and were at greater risk of secondary exposure while handling illicit drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.

CBP frontline personnel often work in challenging and dangerous environments as they risk exposure to these illicit drugs via inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and contact with needles.

H.R. 5274 will require the CBP Commissioner to issue containment devices, which are critical tools that provide protection against secondary exposure to fentanyl and other chemicals to help protect our frontline officers and agents.

Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage all Members to support this bill to protect our dedicated frontline law enforcement at the border, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Joyce).

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Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS. Madam Speaker, certainly, H.R. 5274 is a small step that we can take in managing the crisis at our southern border, in addition to emphasizing border security. I thank Representative Joyce for his very astute observation that our law enforcement is at risk and for his bill to help protect those who protect and serve us.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge Members to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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