Tom Latham: “I thank the chairman and the ranking member for this opportunity today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1254, the…”

“I thank the chairman and the ranking member for this opportunity today. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act. This bill addresses an alarming danger to our kids that many American families may not be aware of. Many American teenagers are experimenting with synthetic drugs that supposedly mimic the effects of marijuana or other types of drugs. These products, known as K2, Pure Evil, Cloud Nine, and other names, can often be bought legally at convenience stores or at so-called ``head shops'' where they're passed off as incense or bath salts. In reality, the users of these substances can experience unexpected anxiety attacks, extreme paranoia, hallucinations, and thoughts of suicide; and the users are at serious risk of harming themselves. Our experience with this issue in the State of Iowa illustrates why a Federal ban on these dangerous substances is so important. A year and a half ago yesterday, 18-year-old David Rozga, from Indianola, Iowa, shot himself after taking K2. In response to the tragedy, David's parents, Mike and Jan, have led a campaign to outlaw synthetic drugs like K2. They testified before Congress about the dangers of the drug and enlisted the help of their elected Representatives in cracking down on the sale and abuse of these substances. My colleagues, we must act on this issue to protect our kids. And the time is now. The threat posed by synthetic drugs is dangerous, and it's growing.…”