ICYMI: Rep. Steve Chabot: Permanently ban fentanyl-related drugs

Cincinnati Enquirer

February 19, 2020 

In recent years, opioid addiction has claimed tens of thousands of American lives and shattered families across our nation. That’s why we must work together to redouble our efforts to combat this deadly epidemic.

Opioids, when used properly, can be an effective medical tool for pain relief. However, when opioids are abused, they’re extremely dangerous. While fatalities from prescription opioids have been declining over the last few years, fatalities from other forms of opioids, such as fentanyl, have been increasing at an alarming rate.

In searching for answers to this plague, I’ve worked with local and national drug experts. I’ve also worked with local law enforcement, medical personnel and community leaders and discussed with them the tools they need to effectively fight this battle. And as a member of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force, I’ve worked closely with my colleagues from across the country focused on finding legislative solutions to this ongoing problem.

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Recently, there’s been a massive influx into the country of cheap but incredibly powerful opioids, such as fentanyl, from China and other foreign sources. A lot of these illegal drugs enter via our southern border, so securing that border is critical.

Giving law enforcement the tools they need to combat these dangerous drugs is just as important. A drug as deadly as fentanyl has no place in our communities. It’s at least 50 times more potent than heroin, and ingesting even a minuscule amount can be fatal.

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That’s why I introduced legislation, H.R. 5771, the FIGHT Fentanyl Act, along with fellow Ohio Congressman Bob Latta. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by our Senator Rob Portman and West Virginia’s Senator Joe Manchin. Our legislation would permanently criminalize the manufacture, distribution or possession of fentanyl analogs.

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Congress doesn’t need to spend more time deciding if fentanyl analogs are dangerous. We know they’re more than just dangerous, they’re deadly, and should be kept off our streets and out of our neighborhoods. Now is the time to make the criminalization of fentanyl analogs permanent. Too many lives and families have been ruined by the scourge of this deadly drug for Congress to continue passing temporary, incomplete measures.

Read the full op-ed in the Cincinnati Enquirer here.