DeRemer: Oregon had nation’s highest fentanyl deaths

By News Update
In: Uncategorized
Tuesday July 16, 2024

U.S. Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is working to stop the flow of fentanyl into the United States.

By U.S. Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer,
Press Release,

This week, Reps. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05), Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), and Eric Sorensen (IL-17) introduced the bipartisan Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act. This bill would increase funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), helping provide them with additional resources that are needed to combat the fentanyl crisis.

“Oregon had the highest rate of fentanyl overdose deaths in the nation last year, and Portland police have already seized more fentanyl-laced pills and powder this year than in all of 2023 combined. During my recent meetings with local law enforcement, they acknowledged that our southern border is a first line of defense against these dangerous and deadly substances,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I’m honored to co-lead the bipartisan and bicameral Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act to ensure border agents have the funding needed to staff up and deploy more detection technology to protect our communities.”

Specifically, the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act would:

– Improve pay for CBP personnel and provide funds to hire more agents;
– Enhance fentanyl interdiction by providing funds for updated inspection technology;
– Support existing efforts across the country to combat fentanyl; and
– Strengthen current laws to increase penalties on drug traffickers.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

Earlier this year, a bill Chavez-DeRemer helped lead – the FEND Off Fentanyl Act – was signed into law. It officially declared a national fentanyl emergency, opening up federal resources to help states like Oregon address this crisis. She has also successfully worked to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act and the END FENTANYL Act.

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