NW Kentucky News

House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) and Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) have renewed their request for documents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) regarding the ongoing shortage of Schedule II drugs. In a letter to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram, the lawmakers emphasized the urgency of obtaining information related to critical drug shortages affecting medical care in the United States.

The letter highlights concerns about the shortage of Schedule II stimulant drugs, such as Adderall, which has left families struggling to obtain necessary medications. "In times of prolonged shortage, patients in desperation may turn to sourcing their prescriptions outside of the regulated healthcare system," wrote Comer and McClain. They referenced a recent health advisory from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warning that stimulant medications purchased from illegal pharmacies could be counterfeit and contain deadly fentanyl. The DEA has also issued bulletins noting that these stimulants are "drugs of concern" and particularly susceptible to counterfeiting.

Chairman Comer and Chairwoman McClain initially requested documents from the DEA on May 14, 2024, concerning the agency's impact on and response to these shortages. To date, only one out of four requests has been addressed by the DEA. The issue was previously raised during an April hearing where FDA Commissioner Robert Califf was questioned about multiple crises at the FDA, including essential drug shortages.

"If DEA continues to withhold documents and information on this matter, the Committee will consider other means, including compulsory process," stated Comer and McClain.

The full letter to Administrator Anne Milgram can be accessed online.