Congressman David Trone, Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, Releases Statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Potential Deal to Crack Down on Fentanyl
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2023
Congressman David Trone, Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, Releases Statement on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Potential Deal to Crack Down on Fentanyl
Congressman David Trone (D-MD), Co-Chair of the U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking, released the following statement on the Biden-Harris administration’s potential deal with the People’s Republic of China to crack down on fentanyl:
“While the details are still being finalized, it is worth commending any deal with the potential to reduce the number of innocent Americans dying from fentanyl.
“For years, international drug organizations trafficked fentanyl precursors from China to be manufactured in Mexico and driven into our communities in the United States, now killing over 70,000 Americans every year.
“Through our year-long work on the Commission, it became clear that we must do everything in our power to work with our international partners to curb this deadly crisis. Our final report made 76 recommendations, including reestablishing productive communications with China on this issue and urging them to enforce stronger “know-your-customer” laws to prevent fentanyl precursors from falling into the wrong hands.
“For the millions of families – mine included – who have lost a loved one to a fentanyl overdose, this deal is welcome news, but it represents just one step in a long journey to end this vicious drug epidemic. We must come together to fight this crisis from every angle and at every level of government. I look forward to continuing Congress’ work with the Biden-Harris administration to make progress on this issue and save countless lives.”
The U.S. Commission on Combating Synthetic Opioid Trafficking was established under Section 7221 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2020, and, by law, concluded its work on February 8, 2022. The Commission includes several federal departments and agencies, as well as four outside members appointed by congressional leadership from the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Commission was led by two co-chairs, Congressman David Trone (D-MD) and Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), who were appointed by congressional leadership and approved by the President of the United States.
Congressman David Trone was elected to the House of Representatives in November 2018 to serve the 6th District of Maryland, which includes all or part of Montgomery, Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett Counties. Trone serves on the Appropriations, Budget, and Joint Economic Committees. In Congress, Trone is fighting to make progress on issues that matter to Marylanders.
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