[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       JOINT TASK FORCE TO COMBAT OPIOID TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2018

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my committee's 
bill, the Joint Task Force to Combat Opioid Trafficking Act.
  Dangerous narcotics and other synthetic opioids are fueling a drug 
epidemic that is destroying people's lives.
  According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 115 people 
die every day from an opioid overdose. Just think about that--115 
people every day.
  They are not just strangers. They are moms and dads, brothers and 
sisters, friends and neighbors.
  Most of us know someone who has struggled with substance abuse or 
drug addiction.
  We cannot allow these numbers to climb. We have to reverse this 
dangerous trend. We need to act together now.
  I am proud to say that the Committee on Homeland Security has been 
taking action on this issue.
  Recently, President Trump signed our INTERDICT Act. This bill 
provides CBP with additional funds and resources to screen and detect 
synthetic opioids at the border.
  Today, we held a field hearing in Pennsylvania to review ways to 
strengthen coordination at the local, state, and federal levels in our 
fight against drugs.
  We are taking many positive steps, but we must do more.
  We can start by passing this bill that establishes a Joint Task Force 
at DHS to prohibit narcotics, such as fentanyl, and others from 
entering the United States.
  It also strengthens partnerships between federal agencies and the 
private sector.
  This is a unifying cause. Stopping the flow of drugs into our country 
will allow more Americans to follow their dreams and build a bright 
future.
  I would like to thank Congressman Langevin and Congressman Peter King 
for their leadership and hard work on this issue. And I urge my 
colleagues to support this bill.

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