Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2009

Mr. Speaker, I too rise in strong support of this legislation, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act of 2009, which I introduced to restrict the distribution of this product to entities registered with the Food and Drug Administration.

I want to thank the House leadership for scheduling this bill. I particularly want to thank Mr. Pallone, who has helped shepherd this legislation a couple of times as we have passed it in the House, and yet the other body, the Senate, has not taken it up in the same form. We hope that the third time is the charm. I also want to thank the chairman of the full committee and my good friend and colleague from Washington (Mr. Larsen) for cosponsoring this again with me.

We know that DXM can be and is a safe and effective non-narcotic cough suppressant used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines. However safely and effectively that these might be used by literally millions of Americans every year, taken in extremely large quantities it does produce a hallucinogenic high and it can cause brain damage, seizures, and even death.

Currently, there are no restrictions on the distribution of this raw bulk DXM. This bill ensures that DXM is used only for legitimate purposes and stays out of the hands of drug dealers and adolescents. The FDA would have the authority to seize bulk DXM if found in the possession of anyone not authorized to have it. This measures would cut off the supply chain of unfinished DXM to those purchasing it on the Internet to get high or sell it as a street drug.

I would note that this act is endorsed by the American Pharmacists Association, the Consumers Healthcare Products Association, and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. And, I would note that it is my understanding that the Partnership for a Drug-Free America believes that perhaps there are hundreds of thousands of young Americans misusing this DXM. So it is important that we pass this legislation.

I am the father of two. I am alarmed at the growing trend of teens abusing cough syrup, particularly this one, to get high. Our kids are engaging in a game of Russian roulette each time they get high off DXM, and sooner or later someone will die. That is why this is bipartisanship legislation to try to get it enacted, and I would urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. Speaker, today, March 31st, I was detained in my district and therefore missed the 9 rollcall votes of the day.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 166 on Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 296--on Providing for the consideration of the Senate amendments to H.R. 1388.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 167 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 1259-- Dextromethorphan Distribution Act.

Had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 168 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H. Res. 282--Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 169 on the On Motion To Concur in the Senate Amendments to H.R. 1388-- Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education (GIVE) Act.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 170 on the On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 577--Vision Care for Kids Act of 2009.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 171 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1253--Health Insurance Restrictions and Limitations Clarification Act.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 172 On Agreeing to the Resolution H. Res. 279--Providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Eleventh Congress.

Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 173 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 151--To establish the Daniel Webster Congressional Clerkship Program.

Lastly, had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 174 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 1299-- Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2009.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1259) to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the distribution of the drug dextromethorphan, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1259, the Dextromethorphan Distribution Act. This bill addresses the problem of abuse of this drug, particularly by teenagers and young adults.

DXM, as it is called, is an ingredient commonly found in over-the- counter cough medications. When taken as directed, there are hardly any side effects. However, this ingredient is often abused, particularly by teenagers and young adults, and can result in devastating health effects.

The bill amends the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to restrict the distribution, possession, and receipt of unfinished DXM to entities registered with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

I want to thank my colleague Representative Upton for his work on this important bill, and I urge us to pass this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I also yield back the balance of my time and urge passage of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 1259, and I would like to thank Mr. Upton of Michigan and Mr. Larsen of Washington for their work on this important legislation.

Dextromethorphan, or DXM as it is sometimes called, is an ingredient found in cough medicine. This ingredient relieves the coughing associated with a cold or the flu. Cough medicines containing this drug are common and can be obtained without a prescription.

While this drug can be safe and effective if used as directed, it can also be dangerous if taken improperly. The abuse of this drug can cause death as well as other serious adverse effects such as brain damage, seizure, loss of consciousness, and irregular heartbeat.

This legislation would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to prohibit the distribution of DXM that is in bulk form to any person not registered with the FDA. It is hoped that these restrictions on the distribution of DXM will lower the potential for its abuse while at the same time protecting access to these needed medications.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my friend from Michigan (Mr. Upton).

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I was unavoidably detained. If I had been present I would have voted ``yea.''