[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20019]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN SUPPORT OF THE FARM DUST REGULATION PREVENTION ACT AND THE SYNTHETIC 
                            DRUG CONTROL ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 13, 2011

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, had I been present last Thursday, I would 
have voted for the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act, H.R. 1633, as 
well as the Synthetic Drug Control Act, H.R. 1254.
  H.R. 1633 would prevent the EPA from issuing any new rule over the 
next year to regulate coarse particulate matter, or ``nuisance dust.'' 
While there is no such regulation currently pending, the concerns of my 
constituency with respect to the possibility that such a rule could be 
used to prevent coal mining or may interfere with farming or 
construction activities prompt my support of this bill.
  H.R. 1254 would expand the list of Schedule I narcotics under the 
Controlled Substances Act to include cannabimimetic agents, the 
chemicals that are commonly known as synthetic drugs. The bill would 
prohibit the sale, distribution, or use of those chemicals without a 
permit issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
  Synthetic drugs, sometimes known by their street names as K2, Spice, 
and bath salts, imitate the hallucinogenic and stimulant effects of 
illegal drugs. Synthetic drugs can affect the brain in a manner that is 
similar to Schedule I drugs and are sold to consumers as harmless 
alternatives to marijuana, cocaine, or methamphetamines. There are 
numerous instances where the use of these drugs has resulted in 
agitation, anxiety, seizures, tremors, hallucinations, paranoia, and 
death.
  Drug abuse is a serious health problem in southern West Virginia, one 
that threatens our communities, our homes, and our children. Too often, 
there is a misconception that these imitation drugs are not as 
dangerous as the Schedule I narcotics they seek to simulate. That's a 
gross distortion that this legislation seeks to correct. I believe we 
must be unrelenting in getting these designer drugs off the streets and 
out of the hands of our children. Passing this legislation will help us 
to send a clear moral message that these synthetic drugs carry with 
them deadly consequences-- not just for the users, but for their 
families and communities.

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