On the recordJune 15, 2018
I thank the gentleman for yielding time to speak in favor of legislation I authored, H.R. 2851, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act of 2017. Synthetic drug abuse has crippled my community and the communities of many other Members in this Chamber. Last year, Syracuse area hospitals saw a record number of overdoses due to synthetic drug abuse. In May of last year, over 15 individuals had overdosed on synthetic drugs and were taken to the ER in a span of 24 hours. All of these synthetic drugs were purchased at bodegas in Syracuse, purchased over the counter, and stamped ``not for human consumption.'' Clearly, that was the intent. Unfortunately, stories like this have become the new normal. First responders and emergency room physicians across the Nation have seen incredible increases in calls due to synthetic overdoses, which is why I wholeheartedly support this legislation, as do they. Toxic synthetic drugs are designed to mimic street drugs like marijuana, LSD, cocaine, ecstasy, fentanyl, and other hard drugs. They can be more potent than the real thing and oftentimes are more deadly.…
