[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 23, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2507]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 FENTANYL IS A NATIONAL SECURITY CRISIS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Mrs. Steel) for 5 minutes.
  Mrs. STEEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the HALT Fentanyl 
Act. The flow of fentanyl across our unsecure borders is not only a 
public health crisis but a national security crisis, as well.
  With as much as 90 percent of illicit fentanyl coming from China, the 
Chinese Communist Party has a hand in the poisoning of American 
citizens.
  Our communities are becoming all too familiar with the danger that 
this toxic substance poses. Fentanyl poisoning is now the number one 
cause of death among adults between 18 and 49, resulting in the deaths 
of tens of thousands of Americans.
  That is why I am proud to cosponsor the HALT Fentanyl Act, which will 
permanently reschedule fentanyl and ensure the Federal Government 
recognizes this substance for the deadly threat it is.
  It will give our law enforcement the tools they need to combat this 
danger, and it will empower researchers to better understand the full 
scope of the drug's impact on Americans' health.
  We owe a solution to the families who have lost a loved one to 
fentanyl. This bill is that solution, and I urge all my colleagues to 
vote ``yes'' on the HALT Fentanyl Act.


                      Recognizing Dr. Clayton Chau

  Mrs. STEEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions 
of Dr. Clayton Chau to the people of Orange County and to congratulate 
him on his dedicated service to our community.
  When I chaired the Orange County Board of Supervisors, I was pleased 
to work with Dr. Chau in his capacity as the director of the Orange 
County Health Care Agency.
  During the pandemic, he stepped up to serve as the county's health 
officer. Together, we worked to keep Orange County citizens safe and 
informed during a time of unprecedented anxiety.
  Dr. Chau understood the importance of protecting the vulnerable while 
also preserving livelihoods, supporting workers and businesses, and 
maintaining an evenhanded approach.
  Thanks to his work, we ensured a successful pandemic response in 
Orange County. Dr. Chau has so much to be proud of.
  On behalf of Orange County, I thank him for his service and wish him 
all the best in his future endeavors.

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