TLDR:
- The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs will hold a hearing on January 11, 2024, titled “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions”.
- The witnesses for the hearing will include artist and philanthropist Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police Mr. Patrick Yoes, and Managing Director of Nardello & Co. and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (Retired) of the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Mr. Christopher J. Urben.
The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has announced that they will be conducting a hearing titled “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions” on Thursday, January 11, 2024. The committee will meet in an open session, hybrid format to discuss the issue. The witnesses for the hearing will be Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, an artist and philanthropist, Mr. Patrick Yoes, the National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, and Mr. Christopher J. Urben, Managing Director of Nardello & Co. and Assistant Special Agent in Charge (Retired) of the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The committee aims to address the pressing issue of the flow of fentanyl and its impact on public health and safety. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that has been responsible for a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States. It is often mixed with other drugs, making it difficult for individuals to know the exact contents of what they are consuming.
The witnesses will provide their perspectives and expertise on the matter. Mr. DeFord, known as “Jelly Roll,” will likely share his personal experiences with addiction and recovery, shedding light on the struggles individuals face in relation to fentanyl. Mr. Yoes, as the National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, will provide insights into law enforcement efforts to combat the fentanyl trade and the challenges they encounter in their work. Mr. Urben, with his background in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will offer his expertise on the drug’s production, distribution, and the agency’s efforts to disrupt the flow of fentanyl.
The committee hearing seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and explore potential legislative solutions to address the issue. It is expected that the witnesses’ testimonies will provide valuable insights into the multifaceted problem and inform policymakers and the public about the urgent need for action.
This hearing comes at a critical time as the opioid crisis continues to plague the United States, with fentanyl overdose deaths reaching alarming levels. By focusing on public awareness and legislative solutions, the committee aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to prevent further harm caused by fentanyl and to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities across the country.