Dear Friends,

This week I hosted a roundtable discussion in Kentucky on how to reduce overdose deaths and help get people with substance use disorders back on their feet. The drug overdose epidemic is a national emergency, which has worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. I think this needs to receive far more attention. In my role as the top Republican of the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, I am committed to combating these tragic trends.

In Kentucky, drug overdoses increased by 55% between a 12-month period ending in April 2020 (April 2019-2020) to a 12-month period ending in April 2021 (April 2020-2021). This was one of the highest increases in the nation. I believe solutions to turn the tide of the drug overdose epidemic need to come from local communities with support from the federal government.

Rep. Guthrie hosting a roundtable discussion on addiction

I brought together families and community members to discuss their experience and hear their thoughts on how to address this crisis. We heard from law enforcement working on the ground to stop the flow of illicit drugs into communities, professionals helping people recover from substance use disorders, families who are sharing their story to ensure no other family knows their pain, and local leaders.

I am the lead Republican of a bill to deliver treatment and recovery services and lead co-sponsor of a bill to make deadly fentanyl-related substances permanently illegal under Schedule l. Additionally, in 2018, my bill President Trump signed into law created comprehensive opioid recovery centers (CORCs). I was successful in helping to secure additional funding to provide a needed boost to the CORCs program that will ultimately help serve more communities that are adversely impacted by the drug overdose epidemic. I will continue to lean on community members for additional solutions to end this crisis.

Military Appreciation Month

Thank you to our service members and their families! It’s because of the daily sacrifices our service members make that we have the freedoms we enjoy. It’s an honor to represent and serve Fort Knox and our veterans in Kentucky’s Second District. I am also proud to represent the communities around Fort Knox and assist in their efforts of welcoming of Fort Knox service members and their families. I know this makes a difference. When I was in the Army, I appreciated the communities around Fort Campbell and their support of the military community.

Rep. Guthrie meeting with Fort Knox leaders earlier this year

Disinformation Board

I wrote to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas to express my serious concerns with the “Disinformation Governance Board.” I’m concerned this so-called “Ministry of Truth” could be used as a political tool or be used to censor Americans they do not agree with. I don’t believe that the government should be the arbiter of truth. The “Ministry of Truth” is coming from the same secretary, who at a congressional hearing said the border is being “effectively managed.” However, I believe this statement is misinformation because there have been record border encounters under the Biden Administration due to their border polices, such as ending the Remain in Mexico Policy. The government should be protecting Americans’ constitutional right to free speech and expression, not infringing upon it.

Title 42

The Administration is also trying to end the Title 42 border policy. When I was at the border earlier this year, border patrol told me that ending Title 42 would be a catastrophe. I believe revoking this policy without an effective plan in place would create more opportunities to traffic deadly drugs in our communities. In fiscal year 2021, fentanyl seizures at the Southwest Border increased by over 130% from the previous year, and fentanyl was involved in more than 70% of drug overdoses in Kentucky in 2020.  I pressed HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra on his agency’s decision in a congressional hearing, which you can watch HERE.

Supreme Court Leak

This week our country witnessed one of the worst breaches of the Supreme Court in our history when a draft opinion showing the court would overturn Roe v. Wade was leaked. I was pleased to see an investigation was ordered to determine the source of the leak. This leak should be thoroughly investigated. While I hope to see Roe v. Wade overturned, regardless of the outcome, I will never stop standing up for protecting the lives of the unborn.

Recent Meetings with Kentuckians

Rep. Guthrie sharing his role as a representative to fifth grade students at W.R. McNeill Elementary School in Bowling Green and giving a history lesson of the U.S. Constitution 

Rep. Guthrie touring and discussing health policy at the new Jane Todd Crawford Hospital in Green County

Rep. Guthrie meeting with St. Joseph School of Bowling Green during their visit to the U.S. Capitol

Rep. Guthrie providing a legislative update to the Greensburg Rotary Club

Rep. Guthrie meeting with the Kentucky Telecom Association to discuss broadband policy

Rep. Guthrie pictured with Owensboro Chamber of Commerce after receiving an update on local issues

How Can I Help?

My office and I are happy to help you and provide assistance with navigating federal agencies. Please click HERE or call 270-842-9896 or 202-225-3501 to contact my office.