Rep. Tom Reed calls for life sentences, even death, for certain drug dealers

Congressman Tom Reed(R,C-Corning), this morning said he plans to reintroduce legislation that would impose a life sentence, even the death penalty, for some drug dealers. Reed said his focus was on dealers who lace heroin with fentanyl, which he says has a "high probability of killing, even after one use...it's the right thing to do."
Reed made the remarks during his weekly media call. Rep. Reed said he wants "life (or death), for those drug dealers that have distributed, sold, fentanyl laced heroin and caused the death of an individual who consumed that laced heroin." During his opening remarks, Reed said he will reintroduce the bill this year. He said "daughters, sons, brother, sisters, fathers and mothers" are being killed. He added "from my perspective, putting this tool in the toolbox on the enforcement side is something that I think can assist in taking on the opioid addiction." During his statement, Reed said it is a national emergency. Reed continued, "I'm still a firm believer ...law enforcement is not the only solution. You need to have awareness. You need to have treatment and you need to have the resources for those treatment providers. Reed said he wants to go after the "worst of the worst.
Reed introduced a similar bill last year but it didn't gain any traction. The congressman said, so far, he has not received any senate support for the proposal.