August 18, 2023

Friend,

Over 600 people died last year from fentanyl overdoses in Milwaukee County. This lethal substance is plaguing our communities at alarming rates. I'm working to keep our communities safe and prevent these illicit substances from further harming our community. 

I am working with local law enforcement to address the fentanyl epidemic and secure the U.S.-Mexico border. We need to hold drug dealers accountable by making illicit fentanyl a permanent Schedule I Drug. This week, I hosted a roundtable in Franklin focused on raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

We had a productive conversation with local law enforcement and leaders in the Milwaukee community. Notably, I was joined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and North Central High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), state legislative leaders, and medical experts to discuss ways local communities and the federal government can stop illicit fentanyl. We were joined by law enforcement leaders from the following areas: 

• Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office
• Franklin Police Department
• South Milwaukee Police Department
• Greendale Police Department
• St. Francis Police Department

We were also joined by a mother from Kenosha. She bravely shared her experience with fentanyl and how her teenage son became exposed to fentanyl and suffered a tragic death. While these stories are difficult to hear, we need to share them to help bring the scourge of fentanyl to an end. 

Too many families have lost a loved one or know someone who has been a victim of a fentanyl-related overdose. Unfortunately, there is still not enough awareness of fentanyl and its fatal effects. Fentanyl has made its way into many common drugs, including marijuana. As pictured above, you can see it only take 2 mg of fentanyl to be lethal. 

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for those ages 18-45. I'm focused on supporting law enforcement, securing the U.S. Mexico border, and making illicit fentanyl a permanent Schedule I drug. The House has passed legislation to make illicit fentanyl a permanent Schedule I drug. The Senate must act on this legislation now.

We all are responsible for raising awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl. 

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As always, feel free to contact me to share an opinion on fentanyl or any other concerns you have about the issues impacting our community. 

On Wisconsin, 

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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