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Read. Follow. Verify.Congressional Hearing on the DEA's Role in the Opioid Crisis
Record date · January 1, 2019
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What This Bill Does
The House held a hearing on March 20, 2018, to examine the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) strategies and effectiveness in addressing the national opioid epidemic. The session focused on the agency's role in managing the crisis, which resulted in over 42,000 overdose deaths in 2016.
This hearing serves as a formal oversight mechanism to evaluate federal drug enforcement policies and the DEA's operational response to the opioid crisis, which impacts public health services and law enforcement priorities nationwide.
Who It Affects
Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Drug Enforcement Administration
The agency is subject to congressional oversight regarding its operational strategies and internal communications.
Individuals with opioid use disorder
Federal enforcement policies directly influence the availability of substances and the legal framework surrounding addiction treatment and regulation.
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on March 20, 2018, in the Rayburn House Office Building.
- In 2016, opioid-related overdoses resulted in over 42,000 deaths in the United States.
- The average number of opioid-related deaths in 2016 was 115 per day.
- An estimated 2.1 million people in the United States have an opioid use disorder.
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- The hearing included testimony from Robert W. Patterson, Acting Administrator of the DEA.
- The subcommittee reviewed internal DEA communications, including emails from May 6, 2011, and August 20, 2013.
Frequently Asked Questions
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News Coverage
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Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Historical Oversight
The committee reviewed internal DEA emails dating back to 2011 and 2013, indicating a long-term investigation into agency practices during the opioid crisis.
Connected Entities
Sources
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Analysis Score
0–100- Significance85How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment15Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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