WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA) today introduced a bill to recognize those who die from illicit fentanyl poisoning as victims of a crime. This drug, which primarily enters our country through the southern border, is the leading cause of death in the U.S. for adults aged 18-45.
The Recognizing Victims of Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Act would add these individuals to the list of recognized victims in DOJ’s “Office for Victims of Crime” (OVC). The OVC administers the Crime Victims Fund, which supports programs and services that focus on helping victims in the immediate aftermath of crime and continuing to support them as they rebuild their lives.
“Victims of illicit fentanyl poisoning are exactly that - victims. Criminals are disguising this poison as other, less lethal drugs to make a quick buck. It’s time to give surviving families the support they need and fully investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of these horrific crimes,” said Rep. Carter.
A mother in Georgia’s First Congressional District shared her first-hand account of the horrors of fentanyl and the importance of the Recognizing Victims of Illicit Fentanyl Poisoning Act:
"Drug poisonings are not a victimless crime,” said Kristy Dyroff. “My son was sold a drug online that was later discovered to be fentanyl. It killed him instantly. His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. The dealer plead guilty to trafficking resulting in death and is now serving 20 years in federal prison. This drug is murdering almost 200 people each day in the U.S. The Office for Victims of Crime has a responsibility to stop stigmatizing our families and recognize us all as victims deserving of respect and advocacy services.”
Read the full bill text here.
Read the Daily Caller exclusive here.
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