Georgia Mountain News

Congressman Buddy Carter, who serves as the Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, delivered an opening statement at a hearing focused on combating illicit drug threats. In his remarks, he criticized the Biden-Harris Administration for its handling of the drug crisis.

Carter stated, "As we gavel in the first Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing, American families across the country continue to suffer from failures of the Biden-Harris Administration’s disastrous four years and its inability to address one of the greatest public health threats of our lifetimes: the illicit drugs pouring over our borders."

He noted that under previous administrations, there was a significant increase in drug overdoses due to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. "Last fiscal year, Customs and Border Protection confiscated over 21,000 pounds of fentanyl at our borders," he said.

Carter highlighted that overdose deaths peaked at nearly 108,000 in 2023 during the current administration. He emphasized that illicit fentanyl overdoses are now a leading cause of death among adults aged 18 to 45.

The Congressman expressed optimism about making progress against this crisis by expanding access to naloxone and securing borders. He remarked, "Every school in America should have access to naloxone."

Carter also pointed out efforts made by former President Trump in addressing these issues with Mexico and Canada. He urged continued action against countries like China and Mexico involved in smuggling drugs into the U.S.

He mentioned upcoming legislative actions: "Later today, the House will vote on a bill developed by this Committee, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act."

The hearing aimed not only to address current challenges but also potential future threats related to illicit drugs. Carter concluded by expressing his eagerness for witness testimonies and collaboration with colleagues.