Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) and Congressman Lance Gooden (TX-05) have introduced a comprehensive package of bipartisan fentanyl legislation aimed at combating the rising number of overdose deaths linked to fentanyl and xylazine. The package includes three bills: H.R. 1561, the Test Strip Access Act, H.R. 1562, the ALERT Communities Act, and H.R. 1563, the STOP Fentanyl & Xylazine Act (formerly the STRIP Act in the 118th Congress).
This initiative comes at a critical time, as the U.S. faces challenges in curbing the flow of fentanyl precursor chemicals from abroad, particularly due to a foreign aid freeze and cuts in funding for drug interdiction and harm reduction programs. Over the past decade, fentanyl and xylazine have become major contributors to the ongoing drug epidemic, fueling a surge in overdose deaths nationwide.
In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported more than 71,000 overdose deaths attributed to synthetic opioids, including fentanyl. Tragically, adolescent fatalities from overdoses spiked by 94% from 2019 to 2020, with disproportionately high rates observed among Native Americans, Alaskan Natives, and Latinos. While less prevalent, xylazine—an animal tranquilizer often mixed with fentanyl—has seen a troubling rise in overdose-related injuries in several states, including Vermont, New Jersey, and Maryland.
To address this crisis, the legislation aims to expand access to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, which have proven to be effective tools in preventing overdoses. These inexpensive, easy-to-use test strips help detect the presence of fentanyl and xylazine in illicit drugs, providing a critical warning to users and first responders. Studies show that states with broader access to these test strips have seen a notable decline in overdose deaths. From April 2023 to April 2024, the CDC reported a 10% drop in overdose fatalities nationwide.
Rep. Crockett emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in harm reduction tools. “The overdoses and deaths we see in our communities can and must be prevented,” she said. “These bills are a critical step in ensuring healthcare providers, emergency responders, and communities have access to life-saving tools that can help avert these tragedies.”
Rep. Gooden echoed this sentiment, underscoring the bipartisan effort to equip first responders and healthcare providers with the resources they need to prevent further loss of life. “I’m proud to join this effort to combat this crisis and save lives,” he said.
This legislative package marks an essential step toward addressing the fentanyl and xylazine epidemic and ensuring that life-saving resources are available to those on the front lines of this public health crisis.