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U.S. Representative Josh Riley, a Democrat from New York's 19th District, has introduced the "Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act," a bipartisan bill aimed at curbing fentanyl trafficking at U.S. borders and within correctional facilities. The legislation, co-sponsored by Representative Zach Nunn from Iowa, mandates the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratories to develop technology that detects fentanyl vapor and airborne particles. This technology will aid law enforcement in intercepting fentanyl more effectively and reducing its flow into secure areas.
Riley introduced the bill after hearing firsthand accounts from corrections officers and families affected by fentanyl overdoses. He emphasized the need for advanced tools to combat the crisis, stating, "We have the technology. Now we need to apply it to save lives." The bill has been referred to the House Committees on Homeland Security and Science, Space, and Technology.
The urgency of the issue is underscored by the fact that fentanyl and other synthetic opioids accounted for 43% of drug overdoses in Iowa in 2022. Nunn, co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the impact of the crisis on families and communities, expressing hope that the legislation will provide law enforcement with better tools to protect the public.
Riley has been actively involved in addressing the fentanyl epidemic. He previously voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act, which increases penalties for fentanyl-related substances, and sponsored the Marc Fischer Memorial Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act to improve mail screening in federal prisons. As a member of the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus, Riley continues to advocate for prevention, recovery, and enforcement measures.
If passed, the Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act would lead to the development of new technology to strengthen U.S. efforts in detecting and stopping fentanyl at key entry points. The bill's supporters argue that investing in detection tools is crucial in combating a crisis that claims thousands of American lives each year.