Stop Illicit Substances in Prisons

Floor Speech

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Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5266, because the Federal prison system is in a crisis. Overdoses have skyrocketed 600 percent in prisons and jails, with 65 percent of inmates suffering from active substance abuse disorders.

The influx of fentanyl and contraband into the prisons through fentanyl-soaked mail and forged legal correspondence is a threat to inmates and our prison staff who risk exposure to tainted mail.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons deployed successful pilot programs at two Federal prisons which digitized all mail for 1 year. During the trial, 100 percent of fentanyl was intercepted, and no opioids or other drugs were introduced into the facilities via the mail.

I introduced H.R. 5266 with Representative Cartwright to ensure the safety of staff and inmates in custody. The bill calls for stringent inspection protocols to halt the flow of illicit substances. We must reverse the dangerous trend of drug consumption and trafficking in our prisons. I urge the House to embrace this legislation and pass it.

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