04.27.18

Hoeven Statement on Attorney General Sessions' Announcement in Fargo Today

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issues the following statement today after Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement in Fargo regarding federal, state and local efforts to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, including the indictments of individuals for trafficking deadly fentanyl into the United States.

“The opioid abuse crisis has impacted communities in North Dakota and across this country and ruined too many lives,” said Hoeven. “Combatting this crisis will take a comprehensive effort with individuals working together from the local level up. We appreciate the hard work of local, state and federal law enforcement in North Dakota to prevent the flow of deadly fentanyl into our communities.”

Hoeven continues working to provide resources and support to combat the opioid abuse epidemic, including prevention, treatment and law enforcement efforts: 

  • Introducing the Illegal Synthetic Drug Safety Act, legislation that closes a loophole that enables companies to circumvent the law and sell synthetic variations of drugs, like the powerful drug fentanyl, by labeling the products as “not for human consumption.”
  • Working to prevent deadly illicit fentanyl from entering the U.S. by cosponsoring the Synthetic Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act, which would require shipments from foreign countries sent through the U.S. Postal Service to provide electronic data. This will assist Customs and Border Protection to better target potential illegal substances like fentanyl and prevent it from being shipped into the country.
  • Expanded prevention and education efforts in the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, bipartisan legislation that passed the Senate in July 2016. This legislation helps combat the prescription opioid and heroin abuse epidemic by expanding prevention efforts, supporting law enforcement, and improving and expanding access to treatment and recovery services for individuals who have a substance use disorder.
  • Passing the 21st Century Cures Act, which provides $1 billion over two years to supplement states efforts to combat opioid addiction.

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