Scott, Rubio and Colleagues Introduce the CRACK Act

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), along with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and several of their Republican colleagues, introduced the Cutting off Rampant Access to Crack Kits (CRACK) Act. The bill would amend Section 2706 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-2) to prohibit any funds from directly or indirectly purchasing, supplying, or distributing crack pipes or similar drug paraphernalia. 

“The thought of taxpayer money funding crack pipe distributions could not be more ludicrous,” said Senator Scott. “But after a year of ludicrous policies and conflicting statements from the Biden administration, Republicans are leaving nothing up to chance. 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.”

“I am glad the Biden Administration acknowledges sending crack pipes to our nation’s addicts is a bad idea,” said Senator Rubio. “It is pure insanity to think the federal government would fund crack pipe distribution. 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.” 

Earlier this week, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) appeared to confirm that part of the $30 million grant program would go toward “smoking kits/supplies,” which frequently includes crack pipes. The Biden administration then reversed course, prompting the outcry of activist groups that argue “pipe distribution is healthcare.”

The CRACK Act was also cosponsored by Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.),  Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), John Kennedy (R-La.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), John Thune (R-S.D.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.).

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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