Freshman Republican Congressman Charged With Cocaine Possession
Freshman Florida Congressman Trey Radel was arrested last month for cocaine possession and was formally charged today.
Radel faces a maximum of 180 days in jail, as well as a possible fine up to $1,000…
The Florida Republican is a former journalist, TV anchor and radio talk-show host. He never held elective office before winning his House seat last November…
The freshman lawmaker represents Florida’s 19th district in the southwestern part of the state. The district includes Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral.
UPDATE from Dave “Doctor” Gonzo: Do you believe that this guy voted in favor of drug-testing SNAP program participants?
In September, Rep. Trey Radel voted for Republican legislation that would allow states to make food stamp recipients pee in cups to prove they’re not on drugs. In October, police busted the Florida Republican on a charge of cocaine possession.
“It’s really interesting it came on the heels of Republicans voting on everyone who had access to food stamps get drug tested,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) told BuzzFeed Tuesday. “It’s like, what?”
The House over the summer approved an amendment by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) that would let states drug test people on food stamps. The amendment passed by voice vote, meaning members’ individual yeas and nays were not recorded. Radel later voted in favor of a broader food stamps bill that included Hudson’s measure.
In support of his drug testing legislation, Hudson cited the many state legislatures around the country that had considered similar requirements for other means-tested programs in recent years.
“This is a clear and obvious problem in our communities as nearly 30 states have introduced legislation to drug test for welfare programs,” Hudson said. “We have a moral obligation to equip the states with the tools they need to discourage the use of illegal drugs.”
No, Hudson. Look at your colleague Trey, He is the poster child for mandatory drug testing of House members. Drug use among the privileged, including elected officials in the legislative branch, is a clear and obvious problem in our nation. States — and the federal government — should introduce legislation to drug test elected officials while in office. YOU have a moral obligation to equip your constituents with the tools they need to discourage elected officials, including hypocrites who vote the way you do, from using illegal drugs.
