Washington, D.C. – Rapper-turned-country singer Jelly Roll testified before the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the fentanyl crisis. The musician, also known as Jason DeFord, urged Congress to pass the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Off Fentanyl Act, which aims to disrupt the flow of opioids from China and Mexico through financial sanctions on drug traffickers.
Jelly Roll, who had spent a decade in and out of detention facilities for drug dealing and other offenses, acknowledged his role in contributing to the problem but expressed his desire to be part of the solution. He highlighted the devastating impact of fentanyl, a drug that is often mixed with other substances, leading to fatal overdoses.
Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio, the chairman of the committee, presented data showing that 110,000 Americans died from unintentional drug overdoses in 2022. Jelly Roll emphasized that the daily average of 190 people dying from overdoses is equivalent to a fully loaded 737 plane crashing every day. He criticized society’s indifference to the drug crisis, attributing it to a lack of empathy and understanding towards addiction.
Calling for proactive measures, Jelly Roll urged Congress to pass the FEND OFF Act, stating that it can help stop the supply of fentanyl. He shared that the crisis has directly impacted his friends and family members, underscoring the need for immediate action. The musician asserted that addressing the root causes of addiction and dealing with the issue compassionately are crucial in finding lasting solutions.
In conclusion, Jelly Roll’s testimony highlighted the urgent need to prioritize the fentanyl crisis. With alarming overdose rates and widespread devastation, he urged Congress to take proactive steps to disrupt the flow of opioids and address addiction with compassion and understanding. The passing of the FEND OFF Act can play a significant role in curbing the supply of fentanyl and saving lives.