Dear Friends,
Across Arkansas, heartbroken families have told me their stories about how the opioid crisis has claimed the lives of their loved ones.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2017, more than 130 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdose each day, and nearly half of these deaths were attributable to fentanyl. We have a responsibility to stem the tide of this crisis and prevent more families from suffering the tragic loss of a loved one.
Last week, the House of Representatives voted to extend the ban on fentanyl-related substances until May 6, 2021, following Senate passage of the legislation three weeks ago. At first, it seemed like Speaker Nancy Pelosi would not schedule a vote to extend the ban. After outcry from both sides, Speaker Pelosi ultimately scheduled a vote. I applaud both Democrats and Republicans for putting politics aside to protect our children by preventing these illegal substances from hitting our streets.
I have worked to prevent fentanyl from entering the United States and endangering American lives. I was proud to be the lead Republican co-sponsor of the Fentanyl Sanctions Act, which would applies pressure on the Chinese government to honor their commitment to make all fentanyl illegal and provides the United States with more tools and resources to go after illicit traffickers in China, Mexico, and other countries. This bill was included in the FY20 National Defense Authorization Act. Click HERE or on the image below to watch the speech that I delivered on the House Floor on the importance of this bill.
Congressman Hill speaking in support of the Fentanyl Sanctions Act. |
Congress is working hard to tackle this crisis at the federal level but to truly push back on the tide of addiction, we need buy-in at all levels – state and local governments, medical professionals, and the people closest to those who need assistance.
Arkansas, state Drug Director Kirk Lane (pictured below) has been instrumental in helping to protect Arkansans against opioid addiction by working with Arkansas Drug Take Back on an app called “NARCANsas.” This free app provides resources, links, and tools that will help you administer the opioid reversal medication, naloxone, in the moment of an overdose.
In addition, I sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting that the FDA consider extending the approved expiration date of Narcan after a thorough evaluation of the existing research on this subject. I have heard from first responders and educators in central Arkansas that though the approved shelf life is 18 months, there is significant research showing that the drug remains stable for 10 months after the approved expiration date. Having to replace unused Narcan 10 months before its actual expiration date has created a significant cost burden for the emergency services and schools that keep this product on hand in case of overdoses.
No one wants to see their loved one overdose, but as the Boy Scout motto states, "Be Prepared." If you suspect someone in your life is addicted to illegal drugs or prescription medications, I encourage you to talk to them about treatment options and to obtain naloxone.
Most importantly, know who to call if you need professional lifesaving assistance for someone who is overdosing. Saving the number to the national substance abuse hotline 1-800-662-HELP (4357) now can make all the difference in the future.
Sincerely,
Representative French Hill
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| Congressman Hill on Bloomberg tv |
This week I joined David Westin on Bloomberg TV to discuss a big win for Arkansas: the United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) becoming law. I congratulate the president for working with Congress to accomplish this deal that will benefit all Americans.
Canada and Mexico are Arkansas's biggest trading partners, supporting over Arkansas 100,000 jobs. Completion of USMCA signals that America is open for business and that, with a fair and open trading system, no one will outcompete the American farmer, manufacturer, or entrepreneur.
Click HERE or on the picture above to watch my full interview with David Westin on Bloomberg Television.
Calling out government waste
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| Congressman Hill Awards First Golden Fleece of 2020 |
When trial sponsors fail to disclose the results of their research, life-saving information is lost in the process. If a clinical trial fails, knowing how it failed and why it failed is just as important as knowing why it succeeded for other researchers who study public health. The FDA must be held accountable and responsible for ensuring that clinical trial sponsors follow the rules so that this information is available to American patients and the medical community.
That is why I named the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the first winner of the Golden Fleece Award in 2020. The FDA has failed to issue fines against clinical trial sponsors who did not disclose their trial results within one calendar year. In 2017, the FDA gained the ability to charge violators who did not disclose trial results $10,000 per day. However, a recent study found that only 41 percent of 4,209 clinical trials reported data to the FDA.
To view the letter that I sent to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, Dr. Stephen M. Hahn, click HERE.
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