Sen. Marsha BLACKBURN, R-Tenn. sent a Tuesday letter to Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra expressing her “grave concern” over the department’s program, which could reportedly use taxpayer funds to distribute crack pipes for drug addicts.
The Washington Free Beacon first reported on the program. It noted that the department would prioritize applicants from “underserved areas” as per President Biden’s executive order. According to a spokesperson for HHS, the grants would be used to fund the purchase of smoking pipes that allow users to use crack cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and other illicit drugs.
Grant document refers to Biden’s executive Order 13985, “Advancing Racial Equity & Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government.”
Blackburn wrote that “Government-funded paraphernalia for drug abuse is a disgrace to communities and first responders fighting drugs flowing into our country through a wide-open south border.” “If this is the president’s plan to combat drug abuse, then our nation is in serious danger.”
Blackburn granted HHS until March 1, to clarify whether the Biden administration actually authorized the distribution of drug paraphernalia. This is a violation of the U.S. Code. Blackburn also wanted to know the names of those who applied for the grant program, and how they were deemed eligible.
A spokesperson for HHS described the Beacon’s Fox News report as “blatant misinformation” but did not deny it.
The spokesperson for HHS stated that the Harm Reduction Grant, which is offered by Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to Americans with substance use disorders and authorized by American Rescue Plan, was a grant program intended to help Americans with substance use problems stay safe, healthy, and prevent overdose deaths, and provide pathways into evidence-based treatment options. These grants, like all federal programs, must comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
