Staff Reports
Republican Representative John James of Michigan and Democrat Representative Brittany Pettersen of Colorado have teamed up to introduce legislation that would toughen current penalties against fentanyl traffickers as part of a recent coordinated effort to address the concerning rise in fentanyl-related deaths. This proposed law, known as the Fentanyl Reduction Engrained by Economic Deterrence Act, or the FREED Act, aims to extend the penalties imposed on fentanyl traffickers to include their accomplices and facilitators.
Rep. John James introduces bipartisan bill to expand sanctions over fentanyl https://t.co/82b0w790Nu
— David Jones (@davidjones720) November 29, 2023
The recognition that fentanyl consumption has severely damaged American families, with problems at the southern border bearing a large share of the responsibility, is fundamental to this legislative effort. By targeting fentanyl traffickers operating in Mexico and throughout the western hemisphere, the FREED Act aims to strengthen the defense against this deadly narcotic by amplifying the instruments currently in place against Russia and Iran.
This bipartisan effort, supported by both James and Pettersen, aims to address the alarming rise in overdose deaths caused by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. The bill suggests giving the Department of the Treasury the power to ascertain if financial institutions are involved in money laundering related to the illegal trafficking of fentanyl and other lethal substances into the United States.
If passed, the secretary of treasury would have to report to Congress on results within a year of the law's passage and suggest rulemaking to carry out the recommendations of the report. The objective of this strategic approach is to improve the country's ability to counteract the widespread issue of fentanyl abuse and lessen its detrimental effects on communities.
The Fentanyl Reduction Engrained by Economic Deterrence Act was introduced in response to the record-breaking 100,000 overdose deaths in 2021 caused by the spike in synthetic opioid use in the United States, of which fentanyl alone was responsible for 67,325 avoidable deaths. This emphasizes how urgently comprehensive action is needed to address the current problem and stop more deaths.
The Foundation For Defense of Democracies Action has endorsed the bill and praised it for promptly offering more powers to implement the recent accord between the Chinese government and the Biden administration to stop the supply of precursors to fentanyl. Still, it is clear that the nonpartisan endeavor spearheaded by James and Pettersen is garnering a great deal of support and attention.
Simultaneously with these initiatives, the federal government has intensified efforts to reduce the amount of fentanyl and precursor chemicals entering the nation. This includes increased cooperation with Mexico and the imposition of sanctions on organizations in China and Canada. To further demonstrate the administration's commitment to addressing the fentanyl issue, President Joe Biden has today announced targeted penalties against people and organizations in China and Canada that are involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl and related compounds.
Talks to increase enforcement and resource sharing among the U.S., China, and Mexico have been sparked by the urgency of the situation, demonstrating a coordinated global effort to solve the complex issues raised by the fentanyl crisis.
The partnership that James and Pettersen created is an example of bipartisanship in action in a political environment that is frequently characterized by partisan divides. Both legislators are committed to addressing the opioid crisis head-on and understand the significant impact it has had on their respective constituencies.
In conclusion, the bipartisan effort to fortify penalties against fentanyl traffickers and their allies is exemplified by the introduction of the FREED Act. This legislative endeavor is a critical step in addressing the fentanyl crisis and protecting American families' welfare as the country continues to struggle with the problems brought on by synthetic opioids.
