Statement from Rep. Engel On Guilty Plea From Makers of Drug Test Subversion Devices

Statement

"I was pleased to hear that the makers of devices designed to circumvent Federal Drug Testing laws pled guilty in Federal Court this week for conspiring to defraud the government. It is because of companies like Puck Technologies that prompted me to write the Drug Testing Integrity Act (HR 6486) to stop their sale."

"The House Energy & Commerce House Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee originally held a hearing entitled "Subversion of Drug Testing Programs" in early 2005 and I have introduced the Drug Testing Integrity Act twice in response to this egregious problem. My bill would make it unlawful to knowingly manufacture, market, sell, ship or otherwise provide an individual with any product designed for the purpose of assisting in defeating a drug test. These products include various pills, powders, liquids and other prosthetic devices.

"Drug test subversion doesn't just hurt the individual—it can put both our workers and communities at risk of injuries and death. For example, compromising the validity of drug tests prevents employers of airline pilots and school bus drivers from being able to monitor accurately whether their employees are truly safely transporting their passengers.

"According to the court report, the company and its owners defrauded the government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is tasked with overseeing federal workplace drug testing programs. One company website included testimony from a truck driver that used merchandise to beat Department of Transportation drug tests. The thought of that driver and perhaps countless others on the road thanks to these devices is quite a sobering thought.

"The Drug Testing Integrity Act would grant the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers which would empower them to prosecute those who sell products which mask the use of illicit drugs in federal and private sector drug testing. Drug testing is there for a reason - to protect the lives of our citizens. The court decision and my legislation are big steps in the right direction."
"I was pleased to hear that the makers of devices designed to circumvent Federal Drug Testing laws pled guilty in Federal Court this week for conspiring to defraud the government. It is because of companies like Puck Technologies that prompted me to write the Drug Testing Integrity Act (HR 6486) to stop their sale."

"The House Energy & Commerce House Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee originally held a hearing entitled "Subversion of Drug Testing Programs" in early 2005 and I have introduced the Drug Testing Integrity Act twice in response to this egregious problem. My bill would make it unlawful to knowingly manufacture, market, sell, ship or otherwise provide an individual with any product designed for the purpose of assisting in defeating a drug test. These products include various pills, powders, liquids and other prosthetic devices.

"Drug test subversion doesn't just hurt the individual—it can put both our workers and communities at risk of injuries and death. For example, compromising the validity of drug tests prevents employers of airline pilots and school bus drivers from being able to monitor accurately whether their employees are truly safely transporting their passengers.

"According to the court report, the company and its owners defrauded the government's Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which is tasked with overseeing federal workplace drug testing programs. One company website included testimony from a truck driver that used merchandise to beat Department of Transportation drug tests. The thought of that driver and perhaps countless others on the road thanks to these devices is quite a sobering thought.

"The Drug Testing Integrity Act would grant the Federal Trade Commission enforcement powers which would empower them to prosecute those who sell products which mask the use of illicit drugs in federal and private sector drug testing. Drug testing is there for a reason - to protect the lives of our citizens. The court decision and my legislation are big steps in the right direction."

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