The introduction of Fentanyl to America – primarily through drug trafficking via the southern border – is one of the greatest crises the nation is facing today. It seems as though everyone has heard a horror story in which the extremely addictive, and more importantly, fatal substance has crept into their community one way or another. On Wednesday, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) announced bipartisan legislation looking to reduce the infiltration of the opioid to the country.
The bill calls for the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to improve and reform its approach every three years to “ensure drug interdiction guidance is up to date.” According to a 2019 GAO report, the last time the interdiction guidance was updated was 2 decades ago.
“For too long, the crushing heartbreak felt from losing a loved one to a drug overdose, and the opioids that cause them, have plagued American families. This epidemic, fueled by the massive amounts of fentanyl flowing illegally over our southern border into our communities, has only grown worse under Joe Biden’s failed open border policies," stated Sen. Scott
The former governor of Florida also went on to mention that every loss of life caused by accidental drug overdose is preventable.
“Every life taken by an accidental drug overdose is a preventable tragedy and we must do everything in our power to stop them. Today, is a big win in our fight against the lethal opioid epidemic, but it is not the end," added Scott. "We must see the END FENTANYL Act passed and signed into law, and continue our work to support our brave CBP agents, and all who are on the frontlines of this battle, ensuring they have every tool needed to fight back, keep these dangerous drugs out of our country and save lives.”
In addition to the updated policies every 3 years, the bill also requires a report from the Commissioner of CBP to send a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Homeland Security Committee in the House of Representatives.
The bill cosponsored by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Jacky Rosen (D-NV).
Rick Scott’s announcement of the bill on Twitter can be found below:
🚨 Today is a big win in our fight against the opioid epidemic, but it is not over.
Opioids have plagued families for far too long. We must keep fighting for the full passage of the END FENTANYL Act so @CBP has the tools it needs to save lives.
More ⬇️https://t.co/fsQcQeTmqC
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 3, 2022
