Tim White
Jan 12, 2024 - 02:05

Jelly Roll Congress Urges Be Proactive Fentanyl Epidemic Powerful Speech

Jelly Roll advocates for action against fentanyl, sharing his own struggles and urging Congress to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act.

Sadie Bell is a Digital News Writer on the Music team at PEOPLE, joining the company in 2023. Her work has appeared in Alternative Press, Billboard, NYLON, Rolling Stone, and Thrillist.

Country music star Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, recently appeared before Congress to advocate for action against the fentanyl epidemic. Speaking at the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing, he urged legislators to pass the FEND Off Fentanyl Act to combat the supply and distribution of the synthetic opioid in the U.S.

Jelly Roll shared his firsthand experience with the devastating impact of fentanyl, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue. He spoke passionately about his past struggles with addiction and arrests for drug-related charges, highlighting the tragic impact of fentanyl on individuals and communities.

The Grammy-nominated artist, who has faced challenges in his own life due to addiction, emphasized the need for proactive legislation to address the fentanyl crisis. He shared personal stories of attending funerals for loved ones lost to fentanyl overdoses and stressed the urgency of enacting laws to combat the epidemic.

Jelly Roll also highlighted the importance of addressing the demand for fentanyl, urging lawmakers to take action to prevent further tragedies. He emphasized the need for bipartisan support to address the crisis and urged legislators to prioritize human life over ideology and partisanship.

Following his powerful speech, Jelly Roll took to Instagram to share footage of his testimony, expressing hope that his message would bring about real change and awareness of the fentanyl epidemic in America. He has been vocal about his own experiences and challenges, using his platform to inspire others and advocate for change.

As a family man and successful musician, Jelly Roll has made it his mission to give back to his community and use his experiences to help others. He remains committed to using his platform to make a difference and bring about positive change, emphasizing the importance of supporting those affected by addiction and advocating for meaningful solutions to the fentanyl crisis.