Rapper-turned-country singer Jason “Jelly Roll” DeFord on January 11 testified on Capitol Hill about the fentanyl epidemic, encouraging lawmakers to pass legislation to combat the supply and distribution of the potent synthetic opioid.
DeFord, a Nashville native, spoke before the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs at the Dirksen Senate Office Building for a hearing titled “Stopping the Flow of Fentanyl: Public Awareness and Legislative Solutions.”
Committee Chairman Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced DeFord as a “two-time Grammy nominee and CMT Awards-winner who sings about and advocates for those who are facing drug addiction [by speaking] with and for people struggling with addiction across the nation.” DeFord was joined by National Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes and investigative service firm Nardello & Co.’s Managing Director Christopher J. Urben.
The trio aimed to provide insights and support legislative measures to address the fentanyl crisis.
DeFord, in a five-minute prepared statement, shared his unique perspective as someone who has been incarcerated 40 times before his 22nd birthday. He underscored his commitment to being a musician who transcends political affiliations, noting that “fentanyl transcends partisanship and ideology.”
The musician drew attention to alarming statistics, stating that during his testimony, there was a 72% chance that someone would die from a fentanyl-related overdose.
Reflecting on his troubled past, DeFord acknowledged his own history as a drug dealer. “I am not here to defend the use of illegal drugs,” he asserted. “I was a part of the problem. I am here now, standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”
DeFord also advocated for a better understanding of the root causes of drug addiction, urging lawmakers to move away from “bullying drug addicts” and toward finding more compassionate solutions.
In addition, he shared a personal story about his 15-year-old daughter Bailee’s birth mother, a drug addict, and raised concerns about the potential impact on his family.
At the conclusion of his testimony, DeFord offered his support for legislation to stop the supply of fentanyl and encouraged committee members to engage in discussions about narcotics and addiction with their constituents.
“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,” he said. “I encourage y’all to not only pass this bill, but I encourage you to bring it up where it matters at the kitchen table.”
