Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALKINSHAW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, H.R. 8535, the bipartisan Measuring Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking Act, is based on the nonpartisan research and recommendations of the Government Accountability Office, which last year examined the Department of Homeland Security's efforts to detect, deter, and seize illicit fentanyl.

GAO identified critical gaps in DHS efforts against fentanyl trafficking: a lack of coordination, information sharing, and measures to assess DHS' effectiveness.

As a result, GAO made three straightforward recommendations: first, establish a program to collect data and measure effectiveness; second, ensure access to information across DHS components; and, third, develop performance goals and measures aligned with DHS' strategic objectives. Our bill simply would put into law those commonsense recommendations.

Fentanyl remains one of the most devastating public safety and public health challenges facing our Nation. The scourge of fentanyl trafficking is sobering. CDC data showed that fentanyl accounted for over 69 percent of all drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2025. Last year alone, in the D.C. metropolitan region, there were nearly 1,000 deaths due to fentanyl overdose.

With lives, resources, and time on the line, it is important for DHS personnel to not only work hard in the fight against illicit fentanyl but to also work smart against this enormous challenge. That requires collaboration and the ability to assess how their operations are having an impact.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. McCaul, who was my co-lead on this legislation. I thank the chairman, Ranking Member Thompson, and Mr. Correa, as well, who worked hard on it.

As I said, this bipartisan legislation would put three GAO recommendations for combating illicit fentanyl into law. It would require the establishment of a program to collect data and measure the effectiveness of current efforts to counter illicit fentanyl, ensure information sharing across DHS components, and require the development of performance goals and measures.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 8535, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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