WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) and 115 Republicans in sending a letter to President Biden urging his Administration to take immediate action to stem the fentanyl scourge coming from China and across the southern border, and support making fentanyl related substances Schedule 1 classification permanent.
Drug overdoses have claimed more American lives each year than ever before. Fentanyl and fentanyl related substances are fueling the overdose epidemic, killing 64,178 Americans between May 2020 and April 2021 and making up 64% of total U.S. overdose deaths. This highly lethal synthetic opioid is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.
"Fentanyl is a stark reminder that the consequences of President Biden's border crisis span far beyond our border states," said Congresswoman Miller. "Fentanyl seizures were up 1,066 percent in the last fiscal year. Nearly 65,000 Americans lost their lives due to the drug between May 2020 and April 2021. This is a crisis of indescribable proportions that commands immediate and decisive action. I urge President Biden to stop fentanyl from pouring over our southern border and into our communities before any more American lives are lost."
"Fentanyl kills more people age 18-45 than car accidents, suicide, or COVID-19," said Congressman Steil. "We cannot stand by and watch as Americans are being killed by the flood of fentanyl related substances coming into our country. It is past time for President Biden to take seriously the need to secure our border, and make permanent fentanyl related substances Schedule 1 classification."
Background:
Fentanyl related substances have been on a temporary scheduling for Schedule I classification. The Schedule I classification will expire on March 11, 2022, when government funding expires. The letter seeks to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl and fentanyl related substances permanent, meaning no medical benefit for this drug.
To read the full text of the letter click here.
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Original source can be found here.
