Summary of Bill HRES 1172
Bill 117 H.Res. 1172, titled "Expressing that fentanyl is a weapon of mass destruction," is a resolution introduced in the US Congress. The resolution aims to officially recognize fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, as a weapon of mass destruction due to its devastating impact on public health and safety.
Fentanyl is a highly potent drug that is often mixed with other substances, leading to a high risk of overdose and death. It has been responsible for a significant increase in drug-related deaths in the United States in recent years. The resolution highlights the fact that fentanyl is being used as a weapon by drug traffickers and criminal organizations to harm individuals and communities.
The resolution calls for increased efforts to combat the spread of fentanyl, including enhanced law enforcement measures, increased public awareness campaigns, and improved access to treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. It also emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address the global fentanyl crisis.
Overall, Bill 117 H.Res. 1172 seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and mobilize resources to combat its spread, recognizing it as a weapon of mass destruction that poses a serious threat to public health and safety.
Congressional Summary of HRES 1172
This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that it is U.S. policy to recognize that
- a weapon of mass destruction designation of illicit fentanyl by the federal government would empower the government to go after international trafficking syndicates and root out illicit manufacturers and traffickers to take action to stop fentanyl from reaching the border; and
- such a designation of illicit fentanyl would not hinder the use of legal fentanyl or stop ongoing recovery, treatment, and harm-reduction efforts to assist those residents of the United States currently suffering from substance use disorder.
Finally, the resolution urges President Biden and the Department of Homeland Security to officially designate illicit fentanyl and analogues, including carfentanil, as a weapon of mass destruction.