Dr. Joyce Demands Action to Stop the Deadly Trafficking of Fentanyl

Statement

Today, Congressman John Joyce M.D. (PA-13) highlighted the deadly effects of the drug crisis on central Pennsylvania.

During a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Joyce highlighted the dramatic increase in drug overdose deaths in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District and urged Congress to fully fund the resources that law enforcement needs to prevent deadly drugs, like fentanyl, from reaching our communities.

"Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action," said Congressman Joyce. "We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets."

Later this week, Congressman Joyce will participate in a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing to further discuss the devastating impacts that fentanyl has had on our nation, and the work Congress can do to prevent overdose deaths.

Watch Dr. Joyce's remarks here. A full transcript of his remarks can be found below.

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As we speak, America is facing a drug crisis that is crippling our communities.

During the month of October, over 800 POUNDS of fentanyl were seized at our southern border.

The drug crisis our nation is experiencing is a direct result of the failed border policies that have been put in place by the Biden Administration.

Recently, I spoke with Chambersburg Police Chief Ron Camacho, who said that more and more, deadly drugs like fentanyl, are responsible for overdoses in our Pennsylvania communities.

In my district alone, we saw a 30% rise in overdose deaths between 2019 and 2020?and sadly, that number is on the rise again.

Now is the time for Congress to take swift and decisive action.

We must ensure that law enforcement has the tools that they need to save lives, protect our communities, and keep this lethal drug off our nation's streets.

Thank you, and I yield.

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