As the Fentanyl crisis continues to surge and has become more of a paramount issue for Republicans to tackle, US Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has introduced bipartisan legislation called the OPIODS Act to combat the fentanyl crisis.
“Illicit fentanyl continues to endanger communities and families all across the country and it must be stopped. We have lost too many mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and friends, and I will not allow the horrific consequences of inadequate policies in Washington, or the heartbreak of families hurt by this terrible drug, to be ignored." Senator Scott added, "Today, I am proud to introduce the bipartisan OPIOIDS Act to bring much-needed action against the crisis that is hurting so many Americans and their families. I want to thank Senator Welch for joining me on this important bill and urge all of our colleagues to stand with victims of fentanyl, their families and everyone fighting this battle by supporting this legislation.”
The bill hopes to improve data collection on fentanyl usage, by the Attorney General granting more money to local governments to improve surveillance of potential people and places that may propagate the spread of opioids. The DEA must also send Congress a Fentanyl Signature Profiling Program.
This is not Scott's first time tackling fentanyl abuse in the United States. Previously, Scott announced the introduction of a resolution to the Senate which looks to establish February 26th through the 4th as “National Fentanyl Awareness Week.” This comes at a time in which Republican legislators around the nation are calling out the Biden administration for his lax approach to the Southern Border.
