U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans (R-CO) on Sept. 26 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would authorize three targeted federal grant programs to assist law enforcement and nonprofits in addressing fentanyl poisonings.
“As a former cop in Colorado, I know firsthand how our states’ soft-on-crime policies have led to the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our communities,” Rep. Evans said. “This legislation will help to educate families, while giving our law enforcement the tools and critical resources they need to combat this and keep Coloradans safe. Everyone deserves to live in a community free from the threat of fentanyl poisonings.”
The congressman introduced the Combating Fentanyl Poisonings Act, H.R. 5573, alongside five original cosponsors, including lead original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Adam Gray (D-CA), to provide a total of $15 million in grant programs. The funds would be distributed to provide:
- $10 million for state and local law enforcement to track down and arrest fentanyl dealers who target youth online and to provide training to schools, clinicians, and the public on prevention;
- $3 million for nonprofits focused on youth education, helping cover costs for educational materials, bringing families of victims to speak directly to students, and distributing Narcan while explicitly prohibiting funding for harm-reduction tools, such as drug test strips, smoking kits, or needles; and
- $2 million for state and local law enforcement to equip officers with tools like Narcan protective gear and portable testing devices to keep themselves and their colleagues safe in the field.
Additionally, the bill would be budget neutral and would not authorize new spending, instead carving out the programs from existing grant funding under the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Evans’ office.
“The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act would teach kids early about the dangers of fentanyl, and ensure our law enforcement officers have what they need to put those who traffic fentanyl behind bars,” said Rep. Gray. “This bipartisan bill is a common-sense solution to protect valley families.”
The measure has garnered support from local sheriffs, as well as the County Sheriffs of Colorado, the Weld County Chiefs of Police Association, Victims Of Illicit Drugs, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Denver Police Protective Association, and the Colorado Police Protective Association.