Priya PatelTLDR: The United States Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs held a hearing titled “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions.” Witnesses included Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, an artist and philanthropist; Mr. Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police; and Mr. Christopher J. Urben, Managing Director of Nardello & Co and Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
The U.S. Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs conducted a hearing on the topic of stopping the flow of fentanyl, focusing on public awareness and legislative solutions. The hearing was held in an open session in a hybrid format and featured three witnesses. The witnesses included Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, an artist and philanthropist; Mr. Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police; and Mr. Christopher J. Urben, Managing Director of Nardello & Co and Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Additional witnesses may be added at a later date.
During the hearing, the witnesses provided testimony and insights on the issue of fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often mixed with other drugs, causing a significant number of overdose deaths in the United States. The witnesses highlighted the importance of public awareness and education about the risks and dangers associated with fentanyl. They also emphasized the need for important legislative solutions to address the flow of fentanyl into the country.
Mr. Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord, an artist and philanthropist, shared his personal experience with fentanyl overdose and his efforts to raise awareness through his music. He emphasized the need for more resources and support for addiction recovery programs and advocated for stricter regulations on the distribution and sale of fentanyl.
Mr. Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, discussed the impact of fentanyl on law enforcement officers and the challenges they face in combating the flow of the drug. He called for increased funding for law enforcement agencies and improved cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement entities to effectively address the fentanyl crisis.
Mr. Christopher J. Urben, Managing Director of Nardello & Co and Retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, provided insights into the illegal manufacturing and distribution of fentanyl. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and law enforcement efforts to disrupt the supply chain and dismantle the networks involved in fentanyl trafficking.
The hearing emphasized the urgent need for public awareness, education, and legislative action to combat the flow of fentanyl and prevent overdose deaths. The witnesses offered valuable perspectives and recommendations to address this pressing issue, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach involving prevention, law enforcement, and treatment efforts.
