Legislation authored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Niki Tsongas is heading to the Senate
By: Tom Waring
The Times
Legislation authored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Niki Tsongas aimed at combating the opioid epidemic passed the House by a vote of 412–3 and now heads to the Senate, where companion legislation awaits.
The International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology Act [H.R. 2142] provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.
“As communities across my district and across our nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction, it’s hard to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine,” Fitzpatrick said. “The INTERDICT Act is bipartisan legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection access to the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Tsongas and the support of the House to pass this critical measure in a bipartisan fashion. I urge the Senate to act quickly and save lives.”
Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be misused, most fentanyl deaths are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds known as fentanyl analogs. The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or China. The drug is smuggled in across the U.S. border or delivered via mail or express consignment couriers. Fentanyl can also be ordered online. Because of its potency, fentanyl typically comes in small amounts, making it more difficult for authorities to detect.
Companion legislation in the Senate was introduced by Sens. Edward J. Markey, Marco Rubio, Sherrod Brown and Shelley Moore Capito.
Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub said, “Heroin and other opiates are killing our citizens. When misused or abused, fentanyl is much deadlier than heroin. We must take an all-out approach in stemming the tide of illegal drugs available for abuse. Law enforcement will continue to play a critical role in this battle against the drug scourge and the criminals who peddle this poison. We are grateful to Reps. Fitzpatrick and Tsongas for the introduction of the INTERDICT Act. I am personally aware of Rep. Fitzpatrick’s tireless commitment to his citizens and to empowering law enforcement in its fight against the drug scourge.” ••
