English/Español: Rubio Welcomes Biden Administration Reversal on Crack Pipes, Will Introduce Legislation to Codify

Statement

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) announced he will introduce legislation to amend Section 2706 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) to prohibit any funds from directly or indirectly purchasing, supplying, or distributing crack pipes or similar drug paraphernalia. Days earlier, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appeared to confirm that part of the $30 million grant program would go toward "smoking kits/supplies," which frequently includes crack pipes. The Palm Beach Post also confirmed the Biden Administration planned to give out free crack pipes. Rubio called it "insanity" in a video posted on Twitter. The Biden Administration has since said crack pipes will not be part of the so-called safe crack smoking kits.

"I am glad the Biden Administration acknowledges sending crack pipes to our nation's addicts is a bad idea," Rubio said. "It is pure insanity to think the federal government would fund crack pipe distribution. I will introduce legislation in the coming days to make sure this program can never pay for crack pipes, and given the Biden Administration's position I look forward to their vigorous support."

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