Several Republican lawmakers have introduced a bill geared toward prohibiting the funding and distribution of crack or drug paraphernalia amid disputed reports of a White House push to disperse “safe smoking kits.”
Sens. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Marco Rubio of Florida, and 14 of their colleagues introduced the Cutting off Rampant Access to Crack Kits, or the CRACK Act, on Friday, according to a press release from Scott. The bill would amend Section 2706(b) of the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 to prohibit funds from being used to “procure, supply, or distribute pipes, cylindrical objects,” or other drug equipment.
“The thought of taxpayer money funding crack pipe distributions could not be more ludicrous,” Scott said. “But after a year of ludicrous policies and conflicting statements from the Biden administration, Republicans are leaving nothing up to chance.”
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“I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bill to ensure our federal government does not fuel dangerous drug addictions at the expense of American taxpayers,” Scott said.
“[It is] pure insanity to think the federal government would fund crack pipe distribution,” Rubio said. “This legislation will make certain the program can never pay for crack pipes, and given the Biden Administration’s position I look forward to their vigorous support.”
On Wednesday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki denied allegations the Department of Health and Human Services would distribute crack pipes in the smoking kits, labeling it as “inaccurate reporting.”
HHS spokeswoman Sarah Lovenheim also denied the claims.
“The grants fund harm reduction efforts by organizations, in full adherence of state and local laws,” Lovenheim said.
Reports from earlier this week indicated the Biden administration would give funding to organizations to distribute “safe smoking kits” and syringes to drug addicts. Included in the kits were crack pipes for addicts to smoke crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs.
The smoking kits and supplies were distributed by a $30 million grant program funded by the current administration to advance equity. Monday was the deadline to sign up for the program, with supplies being distributed to nonprofit groups and local governments.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to Scott and Rubio but did not receive responses.
