Reps. Lee, Neguse Introduce Bill to Combat Online Fentanyl Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – This week, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) and Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-2) introduced the bipartisan Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act which will bolster the workforce that detects, prevents, and prosecutes online fentanyl trafficking. This bill will improve the Department of Justice’s ability to combat the distribution of this lethal drug while strengthening our national security and cyberinfrastructure.

In 2023, there were over 112,000 overdose deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The fentanyl crisis has impacted every community in this nation, despite tireless efforts from law enforcement to curb the flow of fentanyl that is pouring into our country and communities, these lethal drugs are being trafficked on the dark web,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “The Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act will assist the federal government in stopping fentanyl trafficking online.”

Rep. Lee continued, “As the death toll continues to rise, Americans need our help. This bill will bolster the federal workforce with individuals specialized in cybersecurity skills and knowledge to aid in the detection, prevention, or prosecution of fentanyl trafficking." 

“Since 2020, the ongoing increase in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings has had a devastating impact on communities across Colorado. Today, we are introducing a series of bipartisan bills to combat this crisis — including programs that will expand our understanding and implement best practices for preventing the spread and sales of synthetic opioids, like fentanyl. We must continue to find common ground to enact policies like these that will ultimately save lives,” said Congressman Neguse.

The bill is championed by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in the United States Senate.

Read the bill text here.

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