WASHINGTON
Marino takes name out of running for drug czar
U.S. Rep. Tom Marino has withdrawn his name from consideration to become President Donald Trump’s drug czar, citing a “critical illness in my family.”
The Williamsport native says he will remain in Congress, where he is serving a fourth term. His mother has serious heart problems.
The Scranton Times-Tribune first reported Wednesday that Marino would not be Trump’s nominee for drug czar after all despite reports earlier this month that he would be the pick. CBS News, citing sources, first said he would get the job.
Marino, 64. whose 10th District includes part of Monroe County, was one of Trump’s earliest supporters in Congress. He and U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, R-11th District, campaigned for the president, who dubbed the duo “Thunder and Lightning.”
Marino previously served as the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and as district attorney in Lycoming County.
In Congress, he authored the Transnational Drug Trafficking Act to crack down on drug trafficking across borders.
Marino also crafted a bill backed by large drug distribution companies that raises the bar for when the Drug Enforcement Agency can take action against drug companies.
Supporters say the law, the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, keeps medication available for legitimate patients and encourages collaboration between the industry and officials. But critics say it effectively curbs the DEA’s ability to prosecute corporate drug distributors amid the opioid epidemic.
— Staff and wire reports
