HFAC Passes Rep. Castro’s Fentanyl Amendment

Texas Representative Joaquin Castro’s (D) amended bill targeting fentanyl trafficking has officially been passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC). In a statement, Rep. Castro took to Twitter to share the details behind why the bill was introduced.

The San Antonio native shared his desire to stop fentanyl trafficking throughout the country.

“Our fight against fentanyl trafficking shouldn’t end at the U.S.-Mexico border,” said Rep. Castro.

The bill will include a public health campaign that will promote awareness of opioid abuse.

“Today, @HouseForeign unanimously passed my amendment to support a public health campaign to prevent fentanyl abuse and deaths.”

Rep. Castro highlighted the lack of support for fentanyl awareness in the United States in comparison to Mexico.

“There’s got to be a public awareness campaign in the United States. In fact, the bill itself [H.R. 3205] talks about a public awareness campaign in Mexico,” said the Texas lawmaker.

The Texas congressman questioned the logic behind spending money in Mexico and not spending money in the United States.

“We’re going to do a public awareness campaign and spend money in Mexico, but we’re not going to spend money in the United States with our own folks?” said Castro.

Castro stated his belief that the amendment would fix the holes in the bill.

“I don’t see how that makes sense. So, this amendment is an effort to, at least in part, fill that hole in this policy,” said Castro.

Recently, another amendment was passed by the House.

On the last day of the 88th Legislative Session, new gun legislation finally passes the Texas House. House Bill 2744, which raises the legal age to buy a gun from 18 to 21, passed after much support from Texas lawmakers and citizens.

Over the course of several hours, many Texas representatives took to the podium to speak against the increasing gun violence in the nation. The representatives were joined by multiple family members of those who were tragically slain in mass shootings such as the Uvalde Massacre.