Columbia Standard

In a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing, Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-S.C.) emphasized the importance of passing his FEND Off Fentanyl Act to address the fentanyl crisis. The bill has already been unanimously passed out of the Senate Banking Committee and has garnered support from multiple national groups, including law enforcement associations and anti-opioid abuse organizations.

During his opening statement, Ranking Member Scott highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl on American families and shared the story of Alan Shao, a friend who lost his son to fentanyl. He stressed the need for common sense reforms and holding those accountable to stop the flow of fentanyl into the country. Scott expressed frustration that the bill was not included in previous legislation due to political games in Congress.

Scott emphasized the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis, which resulted in the deaths of over 75,000 Americans in 2022. He called on Congress to come together to combat the Mexican Cartels, Chinese chemical suppliers, and money laundering organizations profiting from the production and trafficking of fentanyl. Scott emphasized the need to prioritize the health, safety, and security of Americans.

The senator highlighted the alarming statistics of fentanyl-related deaths, with 1,500 South Carolinians losing their lives to fentanyl in 2022 alone. He underscored the role of the open southern border in facilitating the flow of fentanyl into the country, with 48,000 pounds of the deadly drug entering through it. Scott emphasized that fentanyl's devastation has impacted everyone personally, with many knowing someone whose lives have been destroyed by the drug.

Scott criticized the current administration's policies, which he believes have contributed to the worst border crisis in U.S. history and turned the fentanyl epidemic into a national crisis. He highlighted the significant increase in fentanyl seizures since 2019, despite the efforts of Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Scott stressed the need for a two-pronged approach to address the crisis, securing the border and enforcing money laundering and sanctions laws.

The senator introduced two bills, the Alan T. Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act and the Secure the Border Act of 2023, to expedite the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country and enhance security measures along the southern border. Additionally, Scott's FEND Off Fentanyl Act aims to combat the financial aspects of the fentanyl trade through sanctions and anti-money laundering tools.

Scott emphasized the importance of following the money to combat fentanyl trafficking, stating that cartels and criminals must be stopped by hitting them where it hurts – their wallets. He called for the illicit money engine to be turned off immediately and stressed that the fentanyl crisis is a national health emergency that requires urgent attention.

During the hearing, a panel of witnesses shared their perspectives, personal stories, and support for Scott's legislation. The senator expressed gratitude for their participation and underscored the importance of addressing this critical issue.

Overall, Senator Scott's push for solutions to the fentanyl crisis during the banking hearing highlights the need for Congress to pass his landmark fentanyl legislation. The devastating impact of fentanyl on American families and communities necessitates urgent action to secure the border, enforce money laundering and sanctions laws, and combat the financial aspects of the fentanyl trade.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-pushes-for-solutions-to-fentanyl-crisis-during-banking-hearing-calls-for-congress-to-pass-his-landmark-fentanyl-legislation/