[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 188 (Thursday, December 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SYNTHETIC DRUG CONTROL ACT OF 2011

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my opposition to H.R. 1254, 
the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011.
  While I support sensible restrictions on dangerous substances, I am 
concerned about the unintended consequences this bill could have on 
medical research. This bill has the potential to make these kinds of 
substances extremely difficult for researchers to obtain. In fact, many 
researchers have expressed concern that the list in this bill is too 
broad and would restrict their ability to conduct important 
experiments.
  Additionally, this legislation would bypass the scientific and 
medical review process that is in place for adding substances to 
Schedule I. Making decisions without scientific review is problematic.
  It is important to note that states are free to make decisions 
regarding these kinds of substances. I supported the reasonable step 
New Jersey took when it banned the synthetic drugs known as ``bath 
salts'' this summer.
  Since this bill would bypass scientific review and could hinder much-
needed research, I urge my colleagues to vote no.

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