Through trade policies, President Donald Trump is attempting to address the influx of fentanyl into the United States.
Rep. Addison McDowell supports this strategy, having lost his brother to fentanyl, and applauds Trump's focus on securing the borders, Breitbart reported.
In 2016, Rep. McDowell experienced a personal tragedy when his 20-year-old brother died due to fentanyl poisoning, a substance believed to have crossed through the southern border. This personal connection fuels McDowell's advocacy for stricter border control measures. Friday, which would have marked his brother’s 29th birthday, accentuates his commitment.
The congressman, endorsed by Trump, conveyed his story to the former president, emphasizing his unwavering support for border security efforts. McDowell criticized the opposition to strong measures, particularly pointing fingers at Democrats who resisted strict legislative actions like the HALT Fentanyl Act.
During a congressional vote on the HALT Fentanyl Act, 107 Democrats voted against it, as per McDowell's account. He expressed profound disappointment at their stance on the legislative floor, highlighting his own preference for his brother to be in another situation than dead from the substance.
Rep. McDowell painted the crisis as more than a drug issue, indicating it represents a form of warfare inundating communities. He linked this to the operations of cartels and pointed out the involvement of external entities, like the Chinese government.
He asserts that President Trump's trade measures are pivotal in holding responsible parties like Mexico and Canada accountable. According to McDowell, Trump's understanding of negotiation stands out in this situation, ensuring action against those exacerbating the crisis.
McDowell directly compared Trump’s leadership efforts with those of current leaders Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who he feels have neglected the issue. The congressman argues that adequate measures were not employed during their time to combat the growing fentanyl problem.
In alignment with Trump, McDowell firmly believes in using trade as leverage in international dealings to combat this menace. He credits Trump with knowing the ‘art of the deal’, a necessary skill needed to navigate these complex international negotiations.
Rep. McDowell's views echo a larger sentiment about the fentanyl epidemic being not just a domestic problem but one with roots in global dynamics. He is an advocate for addressing accountability through economic policies that reach beyond the borders.
In his words, the current border issues are emblematic of a broader, ongoing ‘chemical warfare’ impacting Americans at its core. McDowell’s statement reflects both frustration and determination in changing the narrative and outcome of the deadly crisis.
“It’s at the front of my mind, and it always is, because it’s something that I’ve had to learn to live with, and I shouldn’t have to. Sir, you’re the only person that’s been taking the border seriously, and you need somebody that’s going to be behind you 100 percent, and that person is me.”
As efforts continue to curb fentanyl flow in the U.S, the congressman remains supportive of any means including trade policies that could potentially yield better border security and ultimately prevent such future tragedies. He stands as a vocal proponent of Trump’s policies, highlighting the need for strict measures and holding international stakeholders accountable through robust trade strategies.
Rep. Addison McDowell’s endorsement of Trump centers around shared goals of addressing the fentanyl crisis through trade. McDowell has personally felt the impact of the crisis, shaping his advocacy for stricter border measures. His discussions with Trump reinforce the need for actionable strategies against what he deems a form of ‘chemical warfare’ threatening Americans.
