U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has put a hold on the CR (H.R.6617) until HHS reissues the FY2022 Harm Reduction Program Grant to assure the American people that U.S. taxpayer dollars will not be used to distribute drug paraphernalia. Senator Blackburn recently sent a letter to HHS expressing her grave concerns about the Biden administration authorizing the distribution of smoking kits.

“It would be absolutely absurd to send government-funded drug paraphernalia to underserved communities. U.S. taxpayer dollars should not be used to fund vending machines for crack pipes. If this is President Biden’s plan to address drug abuse, our nation is in serious trouble,” said Senator Blackburn. “Today’s claims by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and Secretary Becerra mean nothing given that the HHS-approved FY 2022 Harm Reduction Program Grant specifically allows for government-funded smoking kits. We will not allow this administration to continue lying to the American people.”