Democracy Rules

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Pharmaceutical fentanyl was developed for pain management treatment of cancer patients. Because of its powerful opioid properties, Fentanyl is also prone to abuse by drug addicts. Fentanyl is often added to heroin to increase its potency, or be disguised as highly potent heroin. Many users believe that they are purchasing heroin and actually don’t know that they are purchasing fentanyl – which can result in overdose deaths. Clandestinely-produced fentanyl is primarily manufactured in Mexico.

In 2021, there were at least 106,000 drug overdose deaths reported in the United States. The majority of these deaths involved opioids including methadone, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. And this number has been rising steadily. Opioid-involved overdose deaths rose from 21,089 in 2010 to 47,600 in 2017 and remained steady through 2019. This was followed by a significant increase in 2020 with 68,630 reported deaths and again in 2021 with 80,411 reported overdose deaths. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that, when given ion time, can reverse an overdose from opioids—including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications. Naloxone is the most effective way to prevent overdose.

Pending Legislation: H.R.3570 - Comprehensive Response to Fentanyl-Related Substances and Fentanyl-Laced Substances Act
Sponsor: Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee (TX)
Status: House Committee on Energy and Commerce
Chairperson: Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA)

I oppose reforming current fentanyl policy and wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Speaker Kevin McCarthy (CA).
I support providing public awareness and outreach programs regarding the dangers of fentanyl by: 1.) Expanding the grants authorized under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. 2.) Expanding treatment and recovery services for people with opioid addictions. 3.) Increasing and providing enhanced penalties for certain offenses involving counterfeit pills. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.

Winning Option »» I support providing public awareness and outreach programs regarding the dangers of fentanyl by: 1.) Expanding the grants authorized under the Comprehensive Opioid Abuse Grant Program. 2.) Expanding treatment and recovery services for people with opioid addictions. 3.) Increasing and providing enhanced penalties for certain offenses involving counterfeit pills. And wish to donate resources to the campaign committee of Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA) and/or to an advocate group currently working with this issue.