Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on the fentanyl crisis in America. The hearing, titled "The Poisoning of America: Fentanyl, its Analogues, and the Need for Permanent Class Scheduling," featured testimonies from individuals affected by fentanyl, including Jamie Puerta, President of Victims of Illicit Drugs, and Bridgette Norring.

Senator Britt underscored the severity of the opioid epidemic and highlighted statistics on fentanyl seizures. She stated, “In 2024, CBP seized approximately 22,000 pounds of fentanyl at US ports of entry on our southern border and our northern border, as well as coastal and interior ports. That’s nearly 1.1 billion lethal doses." She expressed concern that only a small percentage of fentanyl crossing borders is intercepted.

Britt discussed the impact on Alabama, referencing a report from the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council about rising overdose deaths linked to fentanyl between 2018 and 2022. She noted that in 2022 alone, Alabama's State Bureau of Investigation seized enough fentanyl to potentially kill everyone in the state plus an additional three million people.

Witnesses shared personal stories related to fentanyl during the hearing. Senator Britt thanked them for their testimonies and urged listeners to spread awareness to prevent further loss.

Sheriff Don Barnes from Orange County spoke about the need for coordinated efforts to tackle issues like cybercrime, human trafficking, and fentanyl trafficking. He emphasized better communication among federal partners as essential for effective action against cartels.

Senator Britt also voiced her support for the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act which aims to classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under federal law. “In my view, we need to be as bold as possible when it comes to taking steps to protecting American children and families from the scourge of fentanyl,” she said.

Dr. Tim Westlake provided insights into his work combating opioid abuse through class scheduling of Fentanyl Related Substances (FRS). He argued that permanent scheduling would save lives without negatively impacting criminal justice.

A video recording Senator Britt's questioning is available online.