International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act Passes House

Source: Mike Bost (R-IL, 12th)

Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) voted in favor of H.R. 2142, the International Narcotics Trafficking Emergency Response by Detecting Incoming Contraband with Technology (INTERDICT) Act, a bipartisan bill to combat the opioid epidemic. The legislation provides the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) enhanced chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The bill passed the House 412 to 3 and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

“Opioids kill more people in Illinois than homicides and car crashes and drugs like fentanyl are responsible,” said Bost. “Fighting the opioid epidemic is not simply about fighting addiction. It’s also about saving lives by keeping poison like fentanyl from getting into the United States and reaching our community. We have a lot of work still to do, but the bipartisan bill passed today is a step in the right direction.”

Specifically, the INTERDICT Act:

Ensures that CBP will have additional portable chemical screening devices available at ports of entry and mail and express consignment facilities, and additional fixed chemical screening devices available in CBP laboratories.

Provides CBP with sufficient resources, personnel, and facilities — including scientists available during all operational hours — to interpret screening test results from the field.

Authorizes — based on CBP guidance — the appropriation of $15 million for hundreds of new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities, and personnel for support during all operational hours.

Legislative text for H.R. 2142 is available HERE.

Fentanyl is a deadly synthetic opioid that can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Although pharmaceutical fentanyl can be misused, most fentanyl deaths are linked to illicitly manufactured fentanyl and illicit versions of chemically similar compounds known as fentanyl analogs. According to the Illinois Department of Health, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, which include fentanyl, increased by 80% from 2013 to 2014.

The primary source of fentanyl is outside of the United States, in Mexico or China. The drug is smuggled across the U.S. border or delivered via mail or express consignment couriers. Fentanyl can also be ordered online. Due to its potency, fentanyl typically comes in small amounts, making it more difficult for authorities to detect.

House Representative Ann Kuster (D-NH, 2nd) stated:

“The opioid epidemic that is devastating communities around New Hampshire and across the country requires a comprehensive response that addresses all aspects of this crisis,” said Congresswoman Kuster, Founder and Democratic Chair of the Task Force. “The INTERDICT Act will help US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reduce the flow of fentanyl and synthetic opioids from outside the country by giving CBP the necessary tools to detect and intercept these dangerous substances. I am pleased that the agenda of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force is advancing and urge the Senate to take up this commonsense legislation that will help keep our country safe.”

“Across the United States, synthetic opioids are flowing into our neighborhoods and destroying the lives of so many loved ones,” said Republican Chair of the Task Force, Congressman Tom MacArthur. “Customs and Border Protection is our first line of defense in detecting and intercepting these illicit substances from getting into our county. This bipartisan bill ensures they have the resources needed to protect our streets from powerful drugs like fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. I’m grateful members of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force and other Representatives from both parties were able to work together and pass this critical legislation.”

“As communities across my district and across our nation continue to deal with the crisis of opioid abuse and addiction it’s hard to imagine a synthetic drug up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Republican Vice- Chair of the Task Force. “The INTERDICT Act is bipartisan legislation that provides U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) access to the latest in chemical screening devices and scientific support to detect and intercept synthetic opioids before they can cause more harm. I am grateful for the leadership of Rep. Tsongas and the support of the House to pass this critical measure in a bipartisan fashion. I urge the Senate to act quickly and save lives.”

“The disease of addiction is a national emergency and we must act fast, remove barriers and help those suffering,” said Congressman Donald Norcross, Democrat Vice-Chair of the Task Force. “Those at the forefront of this fight need resources to protect our communities from powerful synthetic opioids and I am glad this bill passed the House to help keep our neighborhoods safe. This one piece of legislation is a step in the right direction, but we need to do more. We need Congress and the Administration to advance the whole suite of bills supported by our bipartisan task force.”