In response to the escalating fentanyl crisis, U.S. lawmakers and officials are taking significant steps to combat the deadly drug's impact. Representative Spanberger, alongside Representatives Dan Crenshaw, Dean, and WPH, is spearheading bipartisan legislation aimed at investigating and disrupting online fentanyl sales. This initiative seeks to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to target traffickers and sellers effectively. The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the surge in fentanyl overdoses, particularly in Virginia, where the drug is a leading cause of unnatural deaths. Additionally, the UK has taken a firm stance against synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, by classifying 15 new types as Class A drugs, subjecting suppliers to potential life imprisonment and unlimited fines. This move aligns with global efforts to address the opioid crisis, with Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Kaine introducing the STOP TRANQ Act, focusing on the tranquilizer xylazine, which complicates fentanyl overdoses. Senator Rick Scott's END FENATANYL Act and Senator Tester's FEND Off Fentanyl Act are also part of these efforts, alongside funding secured by Representative Webster for a RAPID DNA system to aid law enforcement. These legislative efforts are part of a broader strategy to curb the devastating effects of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids on communities across the U.S. and beyond.
It was great to join @timkaine to discuss our bipartisan STOP TRANQ Act. Our bill will commit State Department resources to fighting the drug crisis plaguing our nation and holding other countries accountable for their role in producing, selling, and moving tranq into the U.S. https://t.co/l2kzXeHtlc
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) introduced the legislation, which would require the State Department to include data on xylazine, nicknamed “tranq,” in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy (INCSR) Report. https://t.co/kpSpdppVdp
Yesterday, @SenatorRomney and I led a bipartisan hearing on how the U.S. can further push China and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States, and how we can strengthen international law enforcement collaboration. Watch a clip from @WMUR9⬇️ https://t.co/iCVONhN1bm
Yesterday, @Rep_Clyde asked HHS Sec. Xavier Becerra about the 2023 NY Times report of the government not being able to reach 85,000 unaccompanied migrant children it released to sponsors in the US, some of whom have been found in horrific forced labor situations Becerra's…
Saving lives isn’t a partisan issue. I’m proud to partner with @SenTimKaine as we introduce the STOP TRANQ Act. What is tranq? It is a non-opiate tranquilizer – meaning if you overdose on fentanyl and tranq simultaneously, Narcan won’t work. Our bill would require the State… https://t.co/cAqrPbl4nO
The facts are clear: taxpayer-funded narcotics are fuelling more addiction, crime, and despair in our communities. Sign to support our common sense solution: ban hard drugs and fund treatment & recovery to bring our loved ones home drug-free: https://t.co/ERHcpQfQ7w… https://t.co/APTG3GGhsa
The surge of fentanyl into the US is hurting American families and communities—we must solve the root causes of the flow of fentanyl into the US and work with our international allies to stop this crisis. https://t.co/52vuN2DZXn
Fentanyl has claimed the lives of far too many Virginians. Yesterday, I stood with @PWCPolice Chief Newsham and local leaders to sound the alarm on this crisis & discuss how we can work to combat this deadly drug in our communities. More from @PWCTimes: https://t.co/62Gy4A8KLh
Between 2020 & 2023, fentanyl overdose deaths rose by 97% in Clark County. This crisis is hurting our communities & destroying families. Today, during a @HSGAC hearing, I talked about it and how I’m working across the aisle to protect NV communities. https://t.co/kj6lKOnDfq
Earlier today, I asked @SecBecerra about the devastating consequences of the Biden Border Crisis. An influx of fentanyl has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. Given this crisis, why is the word fentanyl only mentioned in Joe Biden's 2025 HHS budget a whopping one time? https://t.co/DO0zrdXSUr
Our communities are under attack from deadly fentanyl. Proud to say my bill passed that makes sure @CBP policies are up to date to best stop fentanyl from entering our country and killing Americans. Read more⤵️ https://t.co/TtZkLZV0NB
Our communities are under attack from deadly fentanyl. Proud to say my bill passed that makes sure @CBP policies are up to date to best stop fentanyl from entering our country and killing Americans. https://t.co/TtZkLZV0NB
Overdoses are the leading cause of unnatural deaths in Virginia — and fentanyl is the driving force. Yesterday, I joined Chief Newsham to discuss this crisis and announce new, bipartisan legislation to help combat this deadly drug. More from @InsideNoVA: https://t.co/ruxYp5PRFA
A new law, which was co-sponsored by Nevada Sen. Jacky Rosen, is addressing ways to detect more illicit drugs at the border. https://t.co/LTLCcPHxT1
Tranq is claiming Texan lives, and lives all across our great nation. I was proud to collaborate with @SenPeterWelch to pass the TRANQ Research Act into law last year to combat the threat of this deadly street drug, and I am grateful to @SenTimKaine for joining me in committing…
Reminder: Bob Casey voted against legislation to make it easier to detect fentanyl at the border. 4,000 Pennsylvanians died from fentanyl overdose last year. Our commonwealth deserves a Senator who shows leadership in the face of evil. https://t.co/2395F4HCsJ
In the recent appropriations bill passed by congress, I fought to secure funding for @LakeCountySO to purchase a RAPID DNA system that will help identify suspects and reduce crime lab backlogs countywide. I will continue to fight for our police. https://t.co/iWpJb9UZnj
Law enforcement across our state tell me time and again they need more tools in the toolbox to get fentanyl off the streets of Montana. Solutions like my FEND Off Fentanyl Act would make a real difference. Congress just has to act to get it done. https://t.co/silQXgP1Mu
Fentanyl claims the lives of thousands of Virginians each year. Yesterday, I joined @PWCPolice Chief Newsham to sound the alarm on the increased threat of fentanyl in our communities. I’m leading bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House to help combat this crisis. W/ @Fox5DC: https://t.co/gMji3F8e9F
.@SenRickScott 's 'End Fentanyl Act' Signed into Law After Almost Two Year Effort Reported by @jacksonbakich via @Floridianpress https://t.co/CIQQ1ACBiH #fentanyl #FlPol
ICYMI: I’m proud my bipartisan END FENATANYL Act was signed into law. I look forward to seeing the Biden admin immediately implement this law and give America’s brave CBP agents the tools needed to keep these dangerous drugs out of our communities. https://t.co/M5nykqm4li
This will save lives. Cheaper than heroin, yet more potent, fentanyl/synthetic opioids devastate lives. The crisis in the USA is a warning to us of why we need to get ahead of the curve. Tough enforcement sends the message to drug dealers that they can’t work here. https://t.co/zi9BJqHl9Q
We have zero tolerance for illegal drug trafficking. That's why new synthetic opioids have been added to the list of Class A drugs. Offenders could face up to life in prison and an unlimited fine. https://t.co/YzeDppX6O0
💊🚫 We have classified 15 new synthetic opioids as Class A drugs. The supply of these could see offenders face up to both life imprisonment and an unlimited fine.
Senate hearing today on fentanyl
Drug misuse and addiction ruins lives and damages communities. Synthetic opioids present a threat which we must tackle. As of today, they are classified as dangerous, Class A drugs. Those supplying these drugs could face up to life in prison and an unlimited fine. https://t.co/TOP81dHufU
When it comes to the opioid crisis, numbers tell a story in Virginia. https://t.co/3xfmNC0mOv
🚨 NEW: I’m leading bipartisan legislation with @RepDanCrenshaw, @RepDean, and @RepWPH to investigate and help disrupt online fentanyl sales and analyze how law enforcement officers can crack down on traffickers and sellers. We must do more to combat these deadly operations.
Fentanyl overdoses surge in Virginia; New bill targets online sales https://t.co/XGwyi8px69
Research shows that drug busts can increase overdose risk, and the potency of the drug someone may get. It’s just another example of how prohibition doesn’t save lives, but kills. We need real solutions, not policies based on emotion and failed approaches. https://t.co/mdvoDUzQzS
As a former federal law enforcement officer and CIA case officer who worked narcotics cases, I understand the threat posed by fentanyl. With deaths related to smoking fentanyl on the rise, I joined @PWCPolice Chief Newsham to sound the alarm on this deadly drug. More w/ @WUSA9: https://t.co/AWB1CGTBCW
Law enforcement agencies across Montana need more resources, plain and simple, and that includes the folks who keep Indian Country safe. Grateful to hear from President Stiffarm on where we can work to deliver more tools for the FBIC’s public safety efforts. https://t.co/hJT6zvCaaz
Thank you to @GLFOP for inviting me to speak with you. It takes everyone—everyone—to keep our communities safe, and I will always fight to provide additional resources for our law enforcement officers to do their jobs. https://t.co/lLsTiixRoP