Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017
Floor Speech
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Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding the time.
Mr. Chairman, synthetic opioids are a dangerous new frontline in our efforts to end the opioid epidemic ravaging our communities.
A recent analysis found that synthetic opioids, particularly illicit fentanyl, caused more overdose deaths in the United States in 2016 than prescription opioids. Synthetics are many times more potent and fatal than heroin, sometimes requiring two, four, six, or even more doses of antidotes like Naloxone to revive an overdose victim.
The Federal Controlled Substances Act was signed into law more than 40 years ago, and it is not equipped to handle this dangerous new development. Put simply, illegal manufacturers, especially those operating overseas, are creating deadly new synthetic opioid analogues faster than our laws or research can keep up.
That is why I rise today in support of the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017 to equip our law enforcement officials with the tools they need to keep our communities safe.
This bill creates a schedule A in addition to the five existing schedules in the Controlled Substances Act. This is a mechanism to temporarily schedule and set regulations around new synthetic drugs while our scientific and research communities develop a better understanding of the associated risks. This bill also adds 13 existing synthetic fentanyls to this new schedule.
Importantly, this crackdown is targeted at the manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these deadly substances, not the individual users. Simple possession is expressly omitted from the scope of this bill. Individuals suffering from addiction need medical help, not prison time. To start to turn the tide on the opioid epidemic, we must address synthetic opioids.
Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to join me and my fellow members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in support of this needed legislation.
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