SE Wyoming News

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) expressed her concerns about the alarming rise of fentanyl overdoses in Wyoming during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing. The hearing, titled "Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions," focused on finding ways to address this crisis.

According to Senator Lummis, the issue of fentanyl affects every state, making them all border states. She emphasized that the poison enters the country through the southern border, along with precursor chemicals and the traffickers themselves. Lummis pointed out that the crisis at the border and the failed policies in place contribute significantly to the staggering number of deaths caused by fentanyl. She stated, "It is the crisis at the border and the failed policies at the border that are the chief contributor to the deaths of more than 73,000 Americans in 2022."

The hearing included testimonies from key witnesses, including Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick Yoes, Retired Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Special Operations Division Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Urben, and country music star and addiction recovery advocate Jason DeFord, also known as 'Jelly Roll.'

The issue of fentanyl and its devastating impact on communities across the United States cannot be ignored. Senator Lummis's remarks shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address this crisis. By recognizing the role of open-border policies in fueling the fentanyl crisis, she emphasizes the importance of securing the borders and implementing effective measures to prevent the influx of this deadly drug.

It is crucial for policymakers to consider the words of experts and advocates, such as Senator Lummis, who are committed to finding solutions to this pressing issue. By focusing on public awareness and legislative measures, the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee hearing aims to address the flow of fentanyl and mitigate its devastating consequences.

The fight against fentanyl requires a collaborative effort from law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public. By tackling the crisis at its root, specifically at the border, the United States can take a significant step towards saving lives and protecting communities from the dangers of this lethal drug.