Jelly Roll testifies on Capitol Hill to urge action on fentanyl crisis

WASHINGTON (POOL) – American singer Jason DeFord, known to many as Jelly Roll, spoke at a Senate hearing Thursday to discuss the fentanyl crisis.

DeFord reportedly spoke before the committee to draw upon his own experience, saying fentanyl is the biggest crisis he has seen in United States of America.

“I understand the paradox of my history as a drug dealer,” he stated, “I was part of the problem, now I am here as a man that wants to be part of the solution.”

DeFord also spoke about how the crisis with fentanyl compares to other drugs and said “nothing has held a candle” to fentanyl in the U.S.

DeFord gave a statistic of 190 people dying per day nationally from an overdose – an amount of people that could be carried on a 737 aircraft. He said national media attention would notice a plane crashing every single day and killing that many people, but because it is drug addicts, he believes it doesn’t illicit the same reaction.

The singer said at every concert he performs, he has seen the impact of fentanyl and fans facing the tragedy in the form of music to seek solace.

“These people crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship,” he said. “I stand here as a regular member of society. I am a stupid songwriter, y’all, but I have firsthand witnessed this in a way most people have not. I encourage you all to not only pass this bill but I encourage you to bring it up where it matters at the kitchen table.”