The national security challenge of dismantling the cartels is daunting. That’s why we introduced the Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act of 2023 this week to direct more federal attention and coordination to deter the criminal networks responsible for trafficking. That is going to take a coordinated, whole-of-government approach that begins with prioritizing the issue, followed by strong interagency coordination. To truly end the fentanyl epidemic, the response must be proportionate to the problem. We must scale our efforts immediately to combat this national security threat. Cartels’ fentanyl trafficking far surpasses the US government’s response. Mexican transnational criminal organizations are sprawling enterprises that have diversified their illicit activities, which now range from drug smuggling to human smuggling, black market tobacco products and petty retail theft. In 2012, there were 50 fentanyl overdose deaths in Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Health in 2022, that number skyrocketed, taking the lives of nearly 2,000 people. Among Iowans under the age of 25, drug overdose deaths have increased 120% in the last five years, according to the Iowa Department of Health. That could be devastating for thousands of AmericansĪlthough they are a thousand miles away from the border, Iowa and Virginia – the states we represent – are feeling the impact. Opinion: The GOP wants to put work requirements on Medicaid recipients.
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