Dear John,

The open-border policies of the Biden Administration are harming Texans, U.S. border states, and Americans throughout the nation.  

One tragic reality of the Administration’s chaotic border management is the increasing number of Americans dying from the deadly drug, fentanyl, which is illegally flooding across our border.  

Fentanyl, a man-made, synthetic opioid pain reliever, is often prescribed by a doctor to treat severe pain, such as after surgery and for advanced-stage cancer.

When abused, the highly-addictive drug provides a euphoric high, making it a sought-after street drug, and drug traffickers and street dealers are capitalizing on its addictive nature.  In fact, Mexican drug cartels, which are the leading suppliers of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other illicit narcotics to the United States, are collecting billions of dollars feeding the Fentanyl Crisis.  

China also has a role in America’s Fentanyl Crisis as the primary source of the “precursor chemicals” that make fentanyl.  China transports their dangerous product to the drug cartels in Mexico who use the chemicals to manufacture illicit drugs.  The cartels then smuggle those drugs into the United States, often sneaking fentanyl into fake pills.

Sadly, fentanyl-laced pills are often marketed to children and teens, sometimes in the form of OxyContin, Percocet, or even Adderall. Too often young Americans overdose from taking a drug that’s been laced with fentanyl.   

Because of its potency, fentanyl is extremely dangerous.  Just a small amount of it can kill.  In fact, two pounds has the potential to kill 500,000 people.  

America must get a handle on the Fentanyl Crisis.  That is why I am proud to be a supporter of H.R. 467, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act. 

Due to its high potential for abuse, this bill permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under the Controlled Substances Act, making it subject to the most stringent legal controls.  Under this classification, federal law assigns mandatory penalties and sentences for fentanyl trafficking.   

I am pleased that H.R. 467 has passed the House of Representatives, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to also pass it in hopes that President Biden will sign it into law.  

We have no time to waste.  The Fentanyl Crisis is costing American lives and ruining families throughout Texas and our great country.   

We can, and we will fight this crisis.   

Sincerely,

Kay Granger
Member of Congress