Too many Iowans know someone who has been affected by the fentanyl crisis. Fentanyl is the number one cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
Right now, a typical emergency room drug screening only tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Despite the growing number of deaths, fentanyl typically isn’t included in rapid drug screenings in the ER.
That’s why I just cosponsored Tyler’s Law to ensure emergency room professionals are also testing for fentanyl to help save lives.
Dangerous opioids are pouring over our Southern Border into our communities and there’s no doubt that the solution to this crisis starts with securing our border. At the same time, we can save lives with commonsense solutions. That’s why in Congress, I’ve already fought for bipartisan legislation to address this epidemic:
- Last year, the FDA approved the first over-the-counter overdose reversal medication. In order to expand access to this life-saving medication, I introduced bipartisan legislation, the Overdose Reversal Medication Act.
- My bipartisan Communities of Recovery Reauthorization Act to support Iowans suffering from addiction passed the House of Representatives last December.
- I voted for the most comprehensive border security legislation to prevent dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, from flowing into our community.
- I’m also championing several bills to combat China and Mexico’s role in financing, manufacturing, and trafficking these deadly drugs across our border.