Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) is introducing bipartisan legislation with Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH) to increase resources for law enforcement to combat fentanyl and prevent accidental exposure.
Named the "Overcoming Prevalent Inadequacies in Overdose Information Data Sets" (OPIOIDS) Act, Rep. Lee's bill directs the Attorney General to provide grants to states and local communities so that they can improve data and surveillance related to opioid overdoses.
Additionally, the Department of Justice will provide funding for forensic labs, drug and dealer tracing, and training officers to better identify overdoses, while the Office of National Drug Control Policy and National Forensic Laboratory Information System will collaborate to improve data submission.
Moreover, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is required to develop a national standard for the purity, formulation, and weight of opioids, and the DEA will also be required to include the level of funding needed to effectively carry out the Fentanyl Signature Profiling Program in its yearly report to Congress.
In her press release, Rep. Lee emphasized how "The fentanyl crisis is devastating families and communities across our nation, claiming lives at an alarming rate. Our law enforcement officers and first responders are on the front lines of this battle, and they need the right tools and resources to combat this epidemic effectively and keep themselves safe."
As a result, the Florida Congresswoman continued, "The OPIOIDS Act is a critical step toward protecting our communities and saving lives. I urge my colleagues to stand together in this fight and support this effort to stop the spread of this deadly drug and keep our communities safe."
Similarly, Rep. Pappas said, "Fentanyl and synthetic opioids are highly dangerous and pose unique threats to law enforcement and first responders who may experience secondary exposure when making arrests or providing medical care."
"Comprehensive training on how to deal with these substances, including how to prevent secondary exposure and the use of updated drug tracing systems, will help save lives and get these drugs off our streets. I'm glad to introduce legislation that would provide state and local enforcement with grant funds to cover the costs of these trainings without passing the burden onto our local departments," Rep. Pappas added.
