Big news this morning as Rep. Tom Marino, a Republican who represents the 10th congressional district of Pennsylvania, has ended his bid to become the Trump Administration’s drug czar. The position, which includes acting as the director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, has become a source of media scrutiny given the ongoing opioid crisis in our country.
President Trump broke the news this morning over Twitter:
Rep.Tom Marino has informed me that he is withdrawing his name from consideration as drug czar. Tom is a fine man and a great Congressman!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2017
Marino has come under fire in recent days for his past support of the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, a bill that protected the pharmaceutical industry by limiting the enforcement powers of the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Yesterday, Trump told reporters that he was reconsidering Marino’s appointment following the revelations about his past voting record.
A 60 Minutes report from last Sunday was reportedly the impetus for changing Trump’s mind on Marino:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilAsmLaJGdE
President Trump promised to declare a national emergency next week on the opioid epidemic that is roiling the country. Many of the president’s biggest supporters come from areas racked by drug abuse. President Trump feels especially compelled to help out this suffering constituency.
A Smart Decision
It was a smart call for Marino to remove his name from the running. His past support for the drug industry makes him suspect as a watchdog for the industry. The Trump Administration needs to address the opioid crisis swiftly and decisively. Nominating an industry stooge is not the way to do it.
What do you think about this development? Was it right for Marino to pull his name? Tell us your thoughts below and share this breaking news over Facebook!
