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WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19) to develop technologies to detect and intercept fentanyl at the nation’s borders and correctional facilities. The bill would equip law enforcement with faster, smarter tools to stop the flow of deadly drugs into communities.
“Fentanyl and synthetic opioids were responsible for 43% of all drug overdoses in Iowa in 2022. Every life lost to this poison is a family shattered,” said Rep. Nunn. “On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, I’m proud to lead bipartisan legislation that empowers our border agents, first responders, and law enforcement with the tools they need to detect fentanyl before it reaches our streets. This is about saving lives and protecting Iowa communities.”
The Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act directs the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratories to research, develop, and test technologies capable of detecting fentanyl vapor and particles. These advances will allow for rapid and accurate screening at border entry points and provide enhanced capabilities within prisons to combat the alarming rise in fentanyl trafficking behind bars.
“I’m introducing this bill because of the stories I’ve heard from corrections officers poisoned by fentanyl smuggled into prisons and from families who have lost loved ones to overdoses,” said Rep. Riley. “This bipartisan effort gives law enforcement the state-of-the-art technology they need to keep our communities safe.”
Across the country and in Iowa, fentanyl is devastating families and overwhelming local resources. Iowa families, police departments, and healthcare workers have consistently called for stronger, smarter ways to intercept these dangerous substances before they claim more lives.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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