In Support of the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act and the Synthetic Drug Control Act

Floor Speech

Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, had I been present last Thursday, I would have voted for the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, H.R. 1633, as well as the Synthetic Drug Control Act, H.R. 1254.

H.R. 1633 would prevent the EPA from issuing any new rule over the next year to regulate coarse particulate matter, or ``nuisance dust.'' While there is no such regulation currently pending, the concerns of my constituency with respect to the possibility that such a rule could be used to prevent coal mining or may interfere with farming or construction activities prompt my support of this bill.

H.R. 1254 would expand the list of Schedule I narcotics under the Controlled Substances Act to include cannabimimetic agents, the chemicals that are commonly known as synthetic drugs. The bill would prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of those chemicals without a permit issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Synthetic drugs, sometimes known by their street names as K2, Spice, and bath salts, imitate the hallucinogenic and stimulant effects of illegal drugs. Synthetic drugs can affect the brain in a manner that is similar to Schedule I drugs and are sold to consumers as harmless alternatives to marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines. There are numerous instances where the use of these drugs has resulted in agitation, anxiety, seizures, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, and death.

Drug abuse is a serious health problem in southern West Virginia, one that threatens our communities, our homes, and our children. Too often, there is a misconception that these imitation drugs are not as dangerous as the Schedule I narcotics they seek to simulate. That's a gross distortion that this legislation seeks to correct. I believe we must be unrelenting in getting these designer drugs off the streets and out of the hands of our children. Passing this legislation will help us to send a clear moral message that these synthetic drugs carry with them deadly consequences-- not just for the users, but for their families and communities.

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