Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007

Floor Speech

DEXTROMETHORPHAN DISTRIBUTION ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - October 15, 2007)

Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 970) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan, and for other purposes, as amended.

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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of H.R. 970, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2007.

Dextromethorphan, commonly known as DXM or DEX, is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter cough and cold medications. When used as directed, DEX has proven to be an effective cough suppressant; but sadly, an alarming number of teenagers and young adults are abusing prescription and over-the-counter medications by taking much larger than recommended doses to get high.

H.R. 970 attempts to curb the misuse and abuse of DEX by restricting the sale, purchase, trade, and distribution of DEX to registered producers of drugs and devices. The legislation is aimed at preventing would-be drug dealers from purchasing DEX wholesale and selling it over the Internet and on the streets.

Similar legislation passed the House during the 109th Congress but was not enacted into law. Today, we renew our commitment to America's young people by passing this legislation. We are also reminding parents and guardians to remain vigilant in the often difficult task of talking with our young people about drug misuse and abuse. Even if your child does not abuse products containing DEX or any other over-the-counter medications, odds suggest that they know somebody who does.

I want to acknowledge and commend our colleagues, particularly Congressman Fred Upton and Congressman Rick Larsen, for their committed work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 970.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I want to state that this bill and its passage will certainly begin to curb the abuse of dextromethorphan. I would like to thank the gentleman also for his leadership on this bill and that of Mr. Rick Larsen's. This will begin a process of educating about the harm that such abuse of over-the-counter drugs can cause, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

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