VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Jasmine Crockett On Sponsoring STRIP Act To Legalize Fentanyl Testing Equipment

On May 22, 2023, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) introduced the Bipartisan Secure Resources Instead of Prosecuting (STRIP) Act. This act would exempt the possession, sale, or purchase of fentanyl testing equipment from the federal drug paraphernalia law.

In an interview with uPolitics, Crockett reflected on misconceptions about the current national fentanyl crisis. Specifically, she discussed how the Republican party is turning this crisis into one that is politically and racially motivated.

“Republicans like to stroke fear and say, ‘Fentanyl is a problem because of the border, or because of the Democrats.’ But the reality is that we have been seeing a lot of drugs pouring across all of the borders. This idea that building a wall means that all of the drugs will be gone is a farce,” said Crockett.

The fentanyl strips that Crockett is pushing to legalize are inexpensive and can avert drug overdose by warning individuals if a drug they are about to engage with contains any traces of deadly synthetic opioids. Although most states still have laws criminalizing individuals who distribute or use these testing strips, many states are moving to reform their policies with the hope of preventing potential overdoses and deaths.

Crockett is fully prepared to bring the STRIP Act to a vote and is confident in her opinion on the subject.

“Right now we are going to vote, and that vote is to increase penalties as it relates to drugs. We saw what happened with the 1994 Crime Bill, so you can guess which way I’m voting on this. I’m not voting the other way because it doesn’t save lives,” Crockett told uPolitics.

In addition to Crockett, the STRIP Act was introduced and supported by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas), and 31 bipartisan cosponsors who believe that fentanyl testing equipment is safe and necessary. The act is pending congressional approval.

Transcription:

Rep. Jasmine Crockett: Republicans like to stoke fear and say “Fentanyl is a problem because of the border, or because of the Democrats.” But they have gotten quiet about the border ever since Title 42 ended and the numbers went down, now they don’t have much to say.

They keep trying to claim that fentanyl has been pouring across, but the reality is that we have been having a lot of drugs, a lot of dopamine, pouring across all of the borders. This idea that building a wall means that all of the drugs will be gone is a farce.

Right now we are going to vote, and that vote is to increase penalties as it relates to drugs. We saw what happened with the 1994 crime bill, so you can guess which way I’m voting on this. I’m not voting the other way because it doesn’t save lives.

Article by Ava Lombardi