WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has announced increasing support for his Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act. This legislation aims to mitigate the flow of the potent synthetic opioid by bolstering resources and enhancing security measures at the southwest border. The bill has received endorsements from prominent law enforcement groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police and the National Association of Police Organizations, as well as the National Treasury Employees Union, representing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employees.
Senator Casey’s bill proposes a multipronged approach to tackle fentanyl smuggling, which involves increasing staffing at border entry points and employing advanced technology to detect illicit substances. “Pennsylvania law enforcement can’t tackle the fentanyl crisis when so much of the fentanyl devastating our families and communities is being smuggled across our southwest border,” stated Senator Casey. By equipping officers with necessary tools and support, the bill aims to fortify the first line of defense against this deadly drug.
The urgency of this initiative is highlighted by the alarming statistics surrounding fentanyl-related overdoses, now the leading cause of such incidents in the United States. Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations, emphasized the critical need for this legislation, noting, “This deadly poison is being mixed with other illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our nation’s youth.” The act is designed to enhance federal, state, and local law enforcement capabilities in intercepting and combating the trafficking of fentanyl and other harmful substances.
A key feature of the bill is the provision to increase CBP’s workforce, enabling the hiring of more officers and border patrol agents. This will significantly boost the capacity to intercept smuggled goods at the border. Additionally, the legislation allocates funds for Non-Intrusive Inspection systems, which use advanced imaging technology to detect concealed drugs and contraband within vehicles and shipments. The bill also seeks to establish a firearms inspection program to curb the illegal flow of weapons into Mexico, which are often used by cartels to maintain their drug trafficking operations.
The support from major law enforcement organizations underscores the bill’s potential to strengthen border security and enhance public safety. Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, remarked on the importance of investing in measures to stem the influx of fentanyl, stating, “This legislation will support our members by giving them the tools they need to support border operations and drug interdiction efforts.”
As debates continue in Congress, the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act stands as a critical piece of legislation in the national effort to combat the opioid epidemic. By addressing both the supply chain and interdiction processes, the bill promises to deliver a comprehensive strategy to safeguard communities from the dangers of fentanyl and related substances.
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