Pappas Votes to Strengthen International Efforts to Combat Fentanyl Trafficking

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) voted to pass bipartisan legislation to help combat the international trafficking of fentanyl, similar synthetic drugs, and new psychoactive substances. 

The bill, H.R. 7990, the Fighting Emerging Narcotics Through Additional Nations to Yield Lasting Results Act, or FENTANYL Results Act, would prioritize efforts of the Department of State to combat international trafficking via increased collaboration with the international community through shared anti-trafficking initiatives and capacity-building measures.

“Fentanyl continues to take the lives of our family members, friends, and neighbors here in New Hampshire and across the country at an alarming rate,” said Congressman Pappas. “We know in many cases that the fentanyl and other illicit substances harming Granite Staters is trafficked from outside the United States. That is why Congress voted today to pass bipartisan legislation to strengthen international efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking including increased collaboration and capacity-building measures. We must take tougher steps to keep deadly substances like fentanyl out of our neighborhoods and bring those responsible to justice.”  

Earlier this week, Pappas voted to pass H.R. 2466, the State Opioid Response Grant Authorization Act Of 2020, which Pappas co-sponsored. This legislation reauthorizes through FY2024 the State Opioid Response Grants program which is administered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The program works to address the opioid crisis by increasing access to medication-assisted treatment and supports evidence-based prevention, treatment, and recovery support services to address stimulant misuse and use disorders, including for cocaine and methamphetamine.

In March, Pappas joined the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation in announcing $28 million in federal funding to combat the opioid and substance misuse epidemic in 2020. 

This summer, Pappas voted to pass H.R. 7617, the second annual appropriations package, which funds a range of critical national priorities, including the fight against the addiction epidemic in our communities. The legislation includes several key provisions introduced by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), including an amendment he passed with Rep. Ben Ray Lujan (NM-03) to increase funding for Comprehensive Opioid Recovery Centers.