VIDEO: Rep. Angie Craig Calls for Bipartisan Action During Texas Hearing on the Fentanyl Crisis
Rep. Craig criticized committee members for politicizing the fentanyl crisis
MCALLEN, TEXAS – Last night during an Energy and Commerce Committee field hearing at the southern border, U.S. Representative Angie Craig called for bipartisan action to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. and criticized committee members for politicizing the fentanyl crisis.
In her opening remarks, Rep. Craig shared the story of Devin Norring, an honors student at Hastings High School who was killed at age 19 by fentanyl poisoning, and highlighted law enforcement’s heroic efforts to save lives.
“Sometimes we can get lost in the numbers. But we need to keep in mind that the real cost is a human cost. Devin didn’t want to die. Devin was killed,” Rep. Craig said in her opening remarks.
Rep. Craig also called out Republican committee members for politicizing the fentanyl crisis and urged bipartisan cooperation to keep communities safe.
“This hearing is not political theater to me. We have a mental health and addiction crisis in America. And that is making our communities less safe. Folks are dying and families are being absolutely torn apart. And yes, it’s leading to more crime. My constituents aren’t interested in a blame game, they are interested in solutions. This shouldn’t be a partisan circus or a political wedge issue,” Rep. Craig said.
WATCH: Rep. Craig calls for bipartisan solutions on the fentanyl crisis
Rep. Craig shared the story as part of her continued push to secure additional resources for law enforcement as they combat the unique challenges posed by the fentanyl crisis.
Rep. Craig has cosponsored the bipartisan Save Americans from the Fentanyl Emergency Act to permanently reclassify all fentanyl-related analogs as a Schedule I drug to ensure law enforcement can continue to prosecute the sale of these substances.
###