Rep. Neguse Leads Bipartisan Coalition of Lawmakers in Introducing a Series of Bills to Combat Fentanyl Crisis
As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus, Rep. Neguse is introducing legislation to combat the nationwide spike in drug overdoses and help save lives.
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joe Neguse, Founder and Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus, introduced a series of bipartisan bills meant to combat the nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings. The legislative package, which includes the Innovate to Save Lives Act and the Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act, focuses on preventing the online trafficking of fentanyl as well as expanding research into new and emerging drug threats.
Fentanyl is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that continues to drive the overdose epidemic, and its presence has been found in all 50 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last year for the first time the overdose death rate topped 112,000 in a 12 month period. In the state of Colorado, overdose deaths have increased at an annual rate of 2.85% over the last 3 years.
“Since 2020, the ongoing increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings has had a devastating impact on communities across Colorado. Today, we are introducing a series of bipartisan bills to combat this crisis — including programs that will expand our understanding and implement best practices for preventing the spread and sales of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. We must continue to find common ground to enact policies like these that will ultimately save lives,” said Congressman Neguse.
Of the bills introduced, the Innovate to Save Lives Act would establish an additional 10% tax credit for small businesses conducting research on critical drug abuse issues, notably emerging drug threats, fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and methamphetamines. This legislation would provide critical incentives for small businesses to conduct the necessary research and development into the drug crisis.
The bill is co-led by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers in the House of Representatives, including Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus Co-Chair Madeleine Dean (D-PA) and Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), David Trone (D-MD), Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ).
“Addiction has touched my family, and we know firsthand about the hope and joy in recovery — I want our story to be the story for every family, but tragically, it’s not yet,” said Rep. Dean. “As lawmakers, we have an obligation to use every tool at our disposal to combat the opioid epidemic – and the Innovate to Save Lives Act does just that. By offering tax credits to incentivize research and development into some of the most dangerous substances plaguing our communities, this bill can stimulate American innovation and save lives. I am grateful to Congressman Neguse for his partnership, and to our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together to move this crucial piece of legislation forward.”
“I am thankful to join in this bipartisan effort to combat drug overdoses with this innovative legislation to join government and public sources together to mitigate drug threats,” said Rep. Bacon. “This tax credit will encourage American innovation in countering emerging drug threats, which have grown from 20,000 overdose deaths in 1999 to 106,699 in 2021. We must address this situation as a national security problem, and this act will make an impact.”
“I'm proud to partner with Congressman Neguse on the Innovate to Save Lives Act to incentivize small businesses to research the opioid epidemic. As the co-founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Task Force, I know that the opioid crisis has ravaged our communities and contributed to nearly 110,000 drug overdoses in 2022 alone," said Rep. Trone. "It's going to take the combined efforts of improving treatment access, promoting preventive care, and expanding research to end this epidemic once and for all. There's no question that once this bill is passed, lives will be saved.”
“More than 70,000 Americans died last year from fentanyl-related overdoses. Fentanyl is a deadly poison that has devastated families and communities across our nation, including in my district,” said Rep. Lawler. “As someone with family members who overcame addiction, I have seen the far-reaching impact of this crisis first hand. There’s no question that more resources are needed to combat this terrible epidemic, improve treatment, and prevent addiction in the first place. The Innovate to Save Lives Act will go a long way to tackling this crisis and I’m proud to be joining so many colleagues from both parties on this much-needed, life-saving bill.”
“The fentanyl crisis in our country requires an all hands on deck approach, from the federal government to small businesses. In my home county of Pima County, fentanyl overdoses have climbed to the number one cause of death in our young people — a loss no more families should suffer. The Innovate to Save Lives Act harnesses the power of our small business community to provide lifesaving research and tackle this issue that has devastated far too many Americans,” said Rep. Ciscomani.
The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act would allow the Department of Justice to provide up to 25% additional incentive pay for individuals with unique cyber skills to help combat fentanyl trafficking online. The trafficking of synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, is becoming increasingly more common on the Internet.
The bill is co-led by Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL), and is championed by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the United States Senate.
“The fentanyl crisis has impacted every community in this nation, despite tireless efforts from law enforcement to curb the flow of fentanyl that is pouring into our country and communities, these lethal drugs are being trafficked on the dark web,” said Rep. Lee. “The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act will assist the federal government in stopping fentanyl trafficking online. As the death toll continues to rise, Americans need our help. This bill will bolster the federal workforce with individuals specialized in cybersecurity skills and knowledge to aid in the detection, prevention, or prosecution of fentanyl trafficking."
“A growing portion of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are now trafficked online,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “Our legislation will provide support to law enforcement officers and prosecutors who work to detect, prevent, and prosecute online fentanyl trafficking to stem the flow of these dangerous drugs into our country.”
“The Border Patrol seized more than 40,000 pounds of fentanyl along the southern border last year alone,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This critical legislation would aid in the detection, prevention, and prosecution of fentanyl trafficking to help keep this deadly drug out of our communities.”
Background
Congressman Joe Neguse has been a consistent advocate for increasing awareness surrounding the fentanyl crisis. As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus he works to coordinate with members from both sides of the aisle on recommendations for tackling the increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings, working with Federal and state law enforcement. The Caucus also works to educate the public and the Congress, in cooperation with prevention and awareness groups, to better understand the ongoing threat of fentanyl in communities across America.
Rep. Neguse has also partnered with fellow Colorado lawmaker, Rep. Doug Lamborn, to introduce the Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act of 2023, legislation to increase fentanyl education in schools.
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