Congress Clears Fentanyl Response Bill

The Trucking Cares Foundation and Facing Fentanyl have joined forces to sound the alarm about the fentanyl epidemic. Through this effort, trucking companies have the opportunity to purchase trailer wraps with fentanyl PSAs. (Trucking Cares Foundation)

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Legislation meant to assist with the country’s response to the fentanyl addiction crisis was recently approved by Congress, a move celebrated by American Trucking Associations and other stakeholders.

The bipartisan Eradicating Narcotic Drugs and Formulating Effective New Tools to Address National Yearly Losses of Life (END FENTANYL) Act awaits President Joe Biden’s signature for enactment.

Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) is a lead sponsor of the measure: “Our bipartisan legislation will support law enforcement’s efforts by giving them the additional tools and training necessary to prevent fentanyl smuggling and help save lives.”

The senator continued, “Far too many communities across Nevada have been impacted by the fentanyl crisis, and I’m glad to see our bipartisan END FENTANYL Act is now headed to the president’s desk to become law.”

To spare families from enduring the unfathomable pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl, the #TruckingCares Foundation is partnering with @FentanylFacing and @LowenCG to amplify the voices of those who have experienced this tragedy.

Learn more: https://t.co/qVHF2rDX04 — American Trucking (@TRUCKINGdotORG) March 12, 2024

“For too long, the fentanyl crisis has plagued our communities and caused crushing heartbreak to those who lose loved ones to these dangerous drugs,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a co-sponsor, said March 7, adding, “As fentanyl continues to flow illegally into the U.S. over the southern border and kills tens of thousands of our citizens, we must do more to support our brave [Customs and Border Protection] agents, and all who are on the front lines of this battle to ensure they have every tool needed to keep these dangerous drugs out of our communities.”

On the other side of the Capitol, Rep. Michael Guest (R-Miss.) championed the bill’s passage.

“With this legislation,” the congressman observed, “we’re fighting to protect the American people from letting drug smugglers bring fentanyl into our communities.”

Specifically, the bill would require CBP to review and update periodically the Office of Field Operations’ policies and handbooks. Among the update’s purpose would be to respond to human and drug trafficking. Additionally, the bill would require CBP to share with congressional committees its findings about policy updates.

The White House recently reiterated the administration’s response to fentanyl. “The president has secured more resources for border security than any president before him, and in October he requested even more funding to secure the border, build capacity to enforce immigration law, and counter illicit fentanyl,” per background the White House provided March 11.

Fentanyl destroys communities and families, and we need to do EVERYTHING we can to stop the flow of this and other dangerous drugs through the southern border.

I’m proud to see that my bipartisan bill to crack down on drug smuggling at the border will soon become law. pic.twitter.com/IectdGjEFP — Senator Jacky Rosen (@SenJackyRosen) March 12, 2024

ATA has long advocated for renewed congressional action regarding fentanyl addiction. Ed Gilroy, ATA Chief Advocacy and Public Affairs Officer, touted the bill’s passage this month.

“The trucking industry reaches every corner of the country, and we have seen firsthand the staggering toll the fentanyl crisis has had on individuals and families nationwide. To combat this devastating scourge, our industry has worked to raise public awareness, supported addiction and recovery programs, and partnered with law enforcement,” Gilroy said. “The END FENTANYL Act would complement these efforts by ensuring CBP officers have the proper guidance to perform inspections and effectively intercept fentanyl before it reaches our communities. ATA commends Sen. Scott and Rep. Guest’s leadership and appreciates Congress’ swift passage of this legislation, which will help to remove this deadly drug from our community and save countless lives.”

Trucking Cares Foundation, a charitable arm of ATA, continues to raise awareness about the national fentanyl crisis. Through outreach, partnerships and contributions, the federation seeks to realize progress. Its outreach campaign includes trailer wraps featuring public service announcements.

On March 11, Trucking Cares Foundation announced it joined Facing Fentanyl to continue sounding the alarm about fentanyl’s increasing threat. “The ATA family and trucking at large is determined to deliver positive awareness to the growing fentanyl crisis in America,” said TCF Chairman Phil Byrd, president and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express. “Our citizens, employees and families are being devastated by this evil drug, and I’m proud that TCF has decided to get involved in this critical need.”

Andrea Thomas, co-founder of Voices for Awareness and Facing Fentanyl, explained, “By raising awareness; providing resources like opioid reversal and education kits to schools; and working with law enforcement, first responders and communities, we are not only honoring the memory of our loved ones but actively working to prevent further tragedies.”