U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) has emphasized the need to address the illegal financing of the fentanyl trade. His comments, endorsing his "FEND Off Fentanyl Act", were made during a committee hearing.
Senator Scott underscored the urgency of this issue with a series of statements: "Cartels and criminals that profit from our devastating losses must be stopped," he said. He added, "And to do that, we have to hit them where it hurts – and that’s their wallets." He concluded by saying, "The illicit money engine needs to be turned off – and it needs to be turned off now."
According to a press release from the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Scott advocated for action against the illegal fentanyl trade in a recent committee hearing. He promoted the "FEND Off Fentanyl Act", which was passed unanimously by the Senate Banking Committee over the summer. The Act has 67 cosponsors and support from national groups and organizations.
In a hearing available on YouTube, Scott referenced data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that "75,000 Americans lost their lives to fentanyl" in 2022.
In another segment of the same hearing posted on YouTube, Scott emphasized a two-pronged approach to addressing the fentanyl crisis. The first step is securing the border, followed by disrupting the financing of the fentanyl trafficking industry. In this context, he stressed various legislation including his own bill, "FEND Off Fentanyl Act," which he deems critical in tackling illegal financing of this trade.
The U.S Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs was originally established as the Senate Banking Committee in 1913 but has since expanded its scope. Its areas of focus include banking, housing, transit, international trade, urban development among others. The committee comprises 23 Senators and is chaired by Sherrod Brown, with Scott serving as the ranking member.
Scott's biography on the committee's website states that he represents South Carolina in the Senate, a position he has held since 2013. Prior to his senatorial role, Scott served in the House of Representatives and held state and county level political positions. He also owns a business which he established before embarking on his public office career.
