Columbus Standard

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Greg Pence (R-IN) has co-led the HIDTA Reauthorization Act of 2024, a bipartisan effort aimed at combatting the illicit fentanyl crisis. Alongside Congressman John Duarte (R-CA), Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Congressman Pence is advocating for the reauthorization of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, as well as the provision of additional resources for state and local law enforcement and prosecutors.

In a statement, Congressman Pence emphasized the urgent need for action, stating, "Every single day, law enforcement has the unenviable task of telling mothers and fathers all throughout America the devastating news that their child or loved one has died from a fentanyl-related overdose. Don't just take my word for it - sheriffs all throughout the Sixth District have told me that fentanyl is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever seen."

Congressman Pence also expressed concern about the impact of current policies on the fentanyl crisis, saying, "As this lethal drug continues to kill more and more Americans, the Biden administration cannot continue to stand by and watch. Their radical open-border policies have allowed for this flood of illicit fentanyl to enter our nation, and the increase in crime rates, as a result of their soft-on-crime policies, have resulted in a lack of proper resources for police departments and local prosecutors to tackle the fentanyl crisis."

The HIDTA program, which has five designated zones in Indiana, has witnessed a significant increase in fentanyl seizures. In 2022 alone, 44,408,465 dosage units of fentanyl were seized, marking a nearly 400 percent increase from the previous year. However, many fentanyl-related cases originating from HIDTA arrests have not been prosecuted due to various factors, including the decline of charges by state officials and limited resources of local prosecutors.

To address these challenges, the HIDTA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes provisions that require specific U.S. Attorneys to be assigned to the prosecution of fentanyl cases originating from HIDTA areas. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the need for collaboration and intelligence sharing among drug task forces and immigration authorities.

Congressman Pence believes that expanding the HIDTA program will play a crucial role in curbing the spread of deadly fentanyl in the country, saving American lives, and making communities safer. He expressed his pride in co-leading this important legislation and his commitment to advocating for conservative Hoosier values as a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

The HIDTA Reauthorization Act of 2024 is a significant step forward in the fight against the illicit fentanyl crisis. With bipartisan support and a focus on providing resources and collaboration, this legislation aims to protect communities and prevent further loss of life caused by this deadly drug.