Watch Kennedy’s remarks here.
WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today spoke on Fox News and penned this op-ed explaining how several cities and states have abandoned their drug decriminalization policies to restore law and order. Kennedy argued that Congress should adopt stronger drug policies, including his Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act.
“Unless you get your news from NPR, you already knew that allowing people to buy fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin without consequences would end in pain and chaos for both drug users and their communities.
“Woke cities and states throughout the country are now scrambling to reinstall policies to restore law and order by deterring drug use.”
. . .
“These drug policy reversals are becoming the rule, not the exception. Other cities and states throughout the country—including Washington, D.C., Washington state and Boston—have taken steps to enforce drug laws after years of lax policies brought their residents nothing but misery.
“Addiction is horrible. But policymakers cannot allow their empathy for Americans with addiction to blind them to the dangerous reality of drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
“Drug overdoses killed an estimated 112,000 Americans in 2023—more than twice as many deaths as car crashes. Yet no sane lawmaker would legalize reckless driving. Heartbreaking stories in Oregon and San Francisco prove that deterrence must be part of the policymaking equation.”
. . .
“I don’t understand why some people seem wedded to the dumb-on-crime sentiments that San Francisco and Oregon have abandoned. The Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act wouldn’t affect people suffering from addiction. It would only punish dealers for the hell they’re unleashing on too many innocent families. Still, a few of my colleagues have blocked every effort I’ve made to get this bill signed into law.
“Overdose deaths don’t make cities more livable. Open-air drug use doesn’t make communities safer or cleaner. Fair, clear penalties help stop people from hurting themselves and their neighbors.
“I hope more woke cities and states admit this and correct their dangerous policies before more Americans fall victim to drugs and stupidity.”
Read Kennedy’s full op-ed here.
Watch his full interview here.
Text of the Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act is available here.