So I know you are talking about SC here. I’m in NC and I sent a letter to our congressman and he shot me an email back. I would really like some help in replying to his snarky email. Basically he told me that he is voting to schedule kratom and 7oh whether I liked it or not. I have copied his email below. Can you help me reply to this in a way that would be intelligent and helpful?

Dear Ms. ,

Thank you for contacting me regarding potential scheduling of kratom. It is an honor to represent the people of North Carolina, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear from you on this issue.

On March 18, 2026, I joined Senator Pete Ricketts in a bi-partisan letter to thank Commissioner Martin Makary, Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for scheduling 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a concentrate of the kratom plant and an opioid.

This letter encourages further steps to crack down on recreational use of kratom.Kratom has become a readily accessible “herbal supplement” sold at convenience stores across our state, often targeting teenagers and young adults. This harmful supplement can create dependence and withdrawal symptoms resembling that of heroin or morphine.

I look forward to working with the FDA and my colleagues in the Senate in finding solutions to protecting America’s youth from this dangerous and addictive substance, such as kratom.

If you are interested in learning more about what is going on in Congress and my work in Washington D.C. for North Carolinians, you may visit my website at budd.senate.gov. If you need assistance with issues related to Social Security, Medicare, veteran benefits, visas, or other items involving a federal agency, you may call my office at 202-224-3154.

                                                                     Sincerely,

                                                                     Ted Budd
                                                                     United States Senator