Holding Fentanyl Traffickers Accountable

Fentanyl is devastating communities here in New York and across America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug poisonings are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45. Over 100,000 Americans died of drug overdoses last year alone, and almost 70% of those deaths were caused by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. What is even more alarming is that many drug dealers are intentionally contaminating other drugs with fentanyl because it is a cheaper and more potent option, drastically increasing the likelihood of a fatal interaction. We must rein in this deadly epidemic, and I’ve been working with my colleagues in Congress on both sides of the aisle – along with state, local, and law enforcement partners – to do precisely that.

Every life lost to fentanyl is a murder at the hands of those who traffic this deadly poison, and it’s time to charge these killers with the weight of the crime they’re committing. That’s why I introduced the Fentanyl Kills Act, which will enable federal prosecutors to charge those who manufacture, traffic, or knowingly transport fentanyl with attempted murder. This common-sense legislation will go a long way to discourage fentanyl trafficking in our neighborhoods and crack down on dealers wreaking so much havoc and destruction on our communities. Those responsible for these senseless tragedies must face the full measure of justice for their crimes. Do you agree? Respond to my survey to let me know.

*By filling out this survey, you opt in to receive updates from my office.