Hi John.

I understand that dangerous drugs like fentanyl are harming our communities. Fentanyl is now the number one cause of overdose deaths in the United States. It’s taking far too many lives and harming far too many families in Kansas.

I know good ideas can come from Republicans and Democrats. And thankfully, this is an area where both parties can find common ground as we work alongside law enforcement. So today, I’m pleased to share an update on some crucial progress we’re making.

I’m pushing to bring new federal resources to help our local police save lives. I’m also supporting two more bipartisan bills to secure the border and help schools respond to fentanyl. These steps build on bipartisan laws I’ve already voted for to support our police, fund equipment and training for law enforcement, and promote mental health.

I recently hosted a summit with law enforcement on the rising threat of fentanyl to see what other steps we can take to save lives. I’m committed to working with them to fight this crisis head-on. The additional actions I’m taking now are a continuation of that commitment.

During my recent summit with law enforcement to discuss the fentanyl crisis, they expressed concern over the high cost of purchasing and handling naloxone kits. This is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication designed to rapidly reverse the effects of opioids.

Police officers who work in pairs are often issued a single dose each to administer. However, these kits are often stored in vehicles, risking their effectiveness due to irregular temperatures.

That’s why I’m urging leaders in both parties on the House Appropriations Committee to fund increased the availability and affordability of this life-saving medication.

Our team is here to connect local law enforcement with funding opportunities so they can have the resources they need. Late last year I was pleased to announce new federal grants from the Department of Justice to help fund our local police departments, including our police department in Overland Park.

I’m also supporting additional bipartisan legislation to protect our communities from fentanyl.

First is the bipartisan Protecting Kids from Fentanyl Act. This bill will let schools to use leftover COVID-19 relief dollars to buy naloxone and provide related training to students and teachers.

Next is the Integrating New Technologies to Empower Law Enforcement at Our Borders Act. This bipartisan bill will help enhance security at our borders through researching and employing new technologies.

I’ve voted for several bipartisan laws to secure our border, hire more border patrol agents, and crack down on illegal drug smuggling. That includes legislation many of my democratic colleagues opposed, but I decided to support because it was the right thing to do for Kansas. I’m committed to fighting extremes across the political spectrum, which is why it’s important to me to stand up even when I disagree with my own party.

I’m pushing to provide additional resources for our local police – including a new Mobile Command Unit for Olathe. Click here to learn more about it.

Overland Park’s Chief of Police, Frank Donchez, shared that additional funding would ensure an “an extra layer of protection for the men and women of the Overland Park Police Department who are on the front lines battling this fentanyl epidemic.” I’m glad to work alongside our law enforcement professionals to make our communities safer.

My mom is an Army veteran who worked closely with law enforcement officials and served in law enforcement herself. We need to support our police officers, emergency responders, and our communities to keep our neighborhoods safe.

It’s an honor to serve you in the U.S. House of Representatives. I’m always here to serve you – regardless of party. Instead of more extremism and empty promises, I know we can focus on concrete and bipartisan solutions to build a better future together.

Feel free to forward this message to anyone you know. And if you have any questions or would like to share your views, please feel free to contact me.

My warmest regards,

Sharice L. Davids
Member of Congress

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