Email from Rep. Miller-Meeks Miller-Meeks Weekly Script February 16th, 2025 WEEKLY SC℞IPT View as Webpage Rep. Miller-Meeks:Combatting the Fentanyl Crisis The fentanyl crisis has become one of the most pressing challenges our nation faces. According to the CDC, fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45 and is responsible for over 70% of all drug-related deaths in the U.S. In 2022, 469 Iowans and more than 100,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses. Tragically, the numbers have continued to rise in 2023 and 2024, with the death toll reaching even higher levels than in previous years. The devastating impact on families, communities, and the nation as a whole is staggering. Immediate action is critical to end this epidemic. Unfortunately, the crisis has worsened under the Biden-Harris administration, with loose border policies that have enabled drug cartels to flood our country with deadly fentanyl. These cartels exploit vulnerabilities in our border security, bringing in record amounts of fentanyl that end up on our streets, in our schools, and in our homes. But there is hope. Under the leadership of the Trump administration, significant strides were made to secure the border and curb the flow of illicit drugs, including fentanyl. I’m working alongside them to strengthen these efforts and ensure we stop the cartels from exploiting our southern border. As a member of Congress, I am committed to doing everything I can to fight this growing crisis and protect the lives of Iowans and all Americans. One important step forward in this battle is the recent passage of H.R. 467, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, or the HALT Fentanyl Act. This bill will make the current temporary Schedule I classification for fentanyl—and any substance mixed with it—permanent. By doing so, it will give law enforcement the tools they need to stop these dangerous drugs from entering our communities and wreaking havoc, without hampering it’s legitimate use for surgery. It will also support research to better understand the effects of fentanyl-related substances on public health, ensuring that we can more effectively respond to this crisis. Additionally, we continue our efforts to make narcan & naloxone readily available to treat overdoses, reduce barriers for substance use disorder treatment and educate young people on the dangers of fentanyl laced medications. The fentanyl epidemic requires swift and decisive action, and we cannot afford to wait as more lives are lost. I am proud to support the HALT Fentanyl Act and will continue to push for policies that protect our communities, strengthen border security, and provide law enforcement with the resources they need to combat drug trafficking.  I will remain focused on doing everything I can to keep Iowans safe and to strengthen efforts to stop fentanyl from reaching our streets. The Weekly Wrap Here's the Weekly Wrap from Washington DC! Representing Iowa's First District It was an honor to speak with over 200 physicians at the American Medical Association! I’m proud to lead efforts to reverse harmful physician cuts and protect the stability of our healthcare system for both providers and patients. Had a great meeting with the Iowa Medical Society! We’re working to improve healthcare by fixing Medicare reimbursement for physicians, protecting scope of practice, and addressing workforce challenges and physician burnout. Great meeting with representatives from Southeastern Community College to learn about the growth of community colleges in our District and new programs being offered to students. Key Votes I voted for the Midnight Rules Relief Act, legislation that would allow Congress to overturn harmful regulations made by the outgoing President in his final days in office. I stood with President Trump and voted for the Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act to hold accountable illegal aliens who endanger border patrol and law enforcement. Committee Hearings As Chairwoman of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Health, I had the honor of delivering opening remarks highlighting the critical importance of community care and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to improve the VA system. Floor Speeches I addressed the outrage with DOGE & Elon Musk's Special Government Employee status as well as efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse from the federal government. From the 712 to the 215, all the way to the Super Bowl! Huge congratulations to Iowa’s own Cooper DeJean for helping lead the Eagles to a world championship! Sincerely, Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks Visit My Website ### Rep. Miller-Meeks | 504 Cannon HOB | Washington, DC 20515 US Unsubscribe | Constant Contact Data Notice