Modification of Certain Deadlines for Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking

Floor Speech

I rise in support of the bill to amend the Fentanyl Sanctions Act. Across our Nation, Americans are increasingly becoming exposed to the impact of the illicit distribution of fentanyl. Our local news is reporting on another overdose caused by a lethal dose of illicit fentanyl with increased frequency. This synthetic opioid is making its toxic presence known in our communities.

Fentanyl is similar to morphine but almost 100 times more potent. It is manufactured at a low cost in labs overseas, primarily in China. It is then smuggled into the United States through Mexico.

In cases of overdose, the individual is not aware that it contains a lethal dose until it is too late.

This body recognizes that the People's Republic of China is failing to effectively regulate and implement illicit trafficking of fentanyl.

In December 2019, we called for the establishment of the Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking. Specifically, this Commission was designed to work with the executive branch in developing a consensus on a strategic approach to combating the flow of synthetic opioids into the United States.

The underlying bill recognizes the importance of this Commission and the work that is still needed.

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Mrs. KIM of California. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as noted, the battle we wage against the illicit distribution of fentanyl is ongoing. Extending the time allows the Commission to provide us a better understanding of the challenges we face and includes a strategy to address it. The valuable work of this Commission is critical to addressing this poison in our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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