The
CDC reported that over 100,000 Americans died from a drug overdose over a
recent 12 month period.
Although
fentanyl drugs are heavily responsible for this, we’re battling on multiple
fronts. For instance, synthetic drug use is evolving and dangerous.
Methamphetamine is on the rise.
Too
many lives have been lost. That’s why I’ve been busy working on legislation to
stop this epidemic.
Like
the Stop the Importation and
Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2021, better known as SIMSA.
For
too long, criminals have been skirting the law by changing the chemical makeup
of a drug. This creates a deadly game of ‘whack-a-mole’ as law enforcement
tries to keep pace with savvy drug dealers. My bipartisan bill nips this deadly
cycle in the bud.
It
would control synthetic substances similar to known drugs while the more time-consuming
testing, research and analysis can be performed.
Also,
methamphetamine use is concerning. The volume and purity of meth smuggled from
Mexico into the U.S. is near all-time highs.
To
address this dire issue, I joined Senator Feinstein to re-introduce the Methamphetamine Response Act. This bill
declares meth an emerging threat and requires the Office of National Drug
Control Policy to develop and implement, a national plan to prevent meth
addiction and overdoses.
This
is a necessary step to combat meth in Iowa and the rest of the country.
The
Senate passed the Meth Response Act
this week. The House must act quickly to get this bill to President Biden’s
desk. Meth is rampant and action cannot be delayed.
I
also joined with Senator Feinstein to re-introduce a cannabidiol and marijuana
research bill to encourage scientific and medical research on marijuana.
Instead
of rushing into legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana, we need a better
understanding of the plant and its potential benefits and side effects. Let’s
not put the cart before the horse.
I’ve
also been active as Co-Chairman of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics
Control. Along with Senator Whitehouse, we held hearings examining the federal
response to the drug overdose epidemic, and the nexus between the illicit drug
trade and corruption.
I
also convened a field hearing in Iowa to hear from experts and constituents
about the state’s efforts on drug control, prevention and treatment efforts.
At
that hearing, Rod Courtney, from North Liberty, Iowa shared his story of losing
his son, Chad, five years ago due to fentanyl. Rod’s powerful testimony is one
instance of the struggles families face from drug abuse.
Stories
like Chad’s are why I’ve sent multiple letters to the Biden administration to
proactively and permanently schedule fentanyl-related substances.
I’m
glad to see the Biden administration has taken my advice and recommended the
permanent scheduling of fentanyl drugs.
Yet,
the administration proposes shielding fentanyl dealers from mandatory minimums.
This
watered-down position flies in the face of our current crisis.
We
have to keep our neighborhoods safe and must hold poison peddlers accountable.
That’s particularly true for fentanyl offenders.
I’m
happy to say that, with my support, Congress has extended the life-saving
scheduling authority to February. But don’t be fooled; we still need a
permanent solution.
With
the close of 2021 on the horizon, it’s natural to reflect. 100,000 overdose
deaths is unspeakably tragic. Each loss is a loved one, a friend, a neighbor.
We
must find solutions to the crisis. I look forward to being part of that
solution. I hope my colleagues will join me in moving these bills forward.
