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Houlahan Statement on Fentanyl and Student Loan Votes

Washington, May 25, 2023

Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement on several bills the House considered this week related to the nation's fentanyl epidemic and student loans. This is a summary and statement from Houlahan on her votes on these bills: 

"H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. I voted YES on H.R. 467 because we are fighting a fentanyl epidemic and Congress must give law enforcement the tools they need to seize fentanyl-related substances and combat drug trafficking. We must stop the spread of this scourge across our communities and country. Like most bills, this one isn’t perfect, nor is it a complete solution to address all of the challenges our society faces from the fentanyl epidemic. For instance, the bill does not address additional funding for research on prevention and treatment, nor does it increase access for those suffering from addiction to more effective care. It also does not add resources at the border.

A more comprehensive solution which would have addressed some of these flaws was proposed in an amendment submitted by Representative Pappas (D-NH). This amendment was a bipartisan solution to many of the gaps but was not ruled to be in order by the majority-controlled Rules Committee. H.R. 467 would have been stronger with its inclusion.

H.J. Res. 45, the Disapproval of Education Department Rule on Federal Student Loan Forgiveness. I voted NO on H.J. Res. 45 because it would nullify many of the federal public service loan forgiveness programs used by those who have served all of us in classrooms, hospitals, and in the armed forces. It would also force these borrowers to return payments already received, when many are struggling with basic living expenses due to the lower pay that is common in public service professions. I believe in the importance of service above self, and I believe that we should design and implement student loan programs to help those who have committed to serving the American people — teachers, doctors, nurses, members of our armed forces, and workers for Vista, City Year, Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, etc. I’ve been a leader on this issue in Congress, introducing the bipartisan and bicameral Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Act (PSLF Act). Arguably, we owe those who devoted themselves to public service more than a debt of gratitude."

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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