Efforts to Combat the Zombie Drug Xylazine Gain Bipartisan Support
FIRST ON FOX: A Senate Democrat is making strides to work across party lines in a bid to tackle the growing menace posed by xylazine, often referred to as the “zombie drug.” This push comes in response to a request from President Donald Trump’s new Attorney General, Pam Bondi, who has emphasized the need for legislative action to combat this dangerous substance.
Legislation Targeting Xylazine
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat from Nevada, articulated the urgency of the situation in an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital. “Xylazine poses a growing threat across the Silver State, and our law enforcement officers simply don’t have the tools they need to keep our communities safe from this dangerous drug,” she declared.
Senator Cortez Masto is reintroducing a bipartisan bill aimed at cracking down on the illegal use of xylazine while ensuring its legitimate use by veterinarians and ranchers remains available. “It’s time for Congress to act now and pass this life-saving legislation,” she added, highlighting the pressing need for regulatory updates to address the evolving drug crisis.
A Government Response
On Bondi’s first day in office as Attorney General, she directed the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), alongside the Office of Legal Policy (OLP) and the Office of Legislative Affairs (OLA), to advocate for several legislative reforms. A critical component of these reforms is adding xylazine to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. Bondi has underscored the dangers of xylazine, noting that it “has no legitimate human use and makes fentanyl even more lethal.”
Xylazine: The Lethal Threat
Xylazine has been increasingly labeled as a “zombie drug” due to its potent sedative effects, leading to a public health crisis. Currently, xylazine is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act, which complicates efforts to understand its prevalence in the illicit drug market. According to the DEA, scheduling xylazine would yield more consistent reporting, enabling law enforcement to develop a clearer picture of its distribution and usage.
With the bill’s reintroduction, Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, voiced his support for the measure, stating, “Illicit xylazine is contributing to the national drug epidemic and driving up overdose deaths in communities across the country. Our nation’s laws must keep pace with emerging drug trends.” He emphasized that this bipartisan effort not only addresses the lethal threat posed by xylazine but also equips law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to combat its spread.
Understanding The Proposed Bill
The proposed legislation, to be secured under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, would classify xylazine alongside substances that have potential medical uses but also pose risks for misuse, such as ketamine and anabolic steroids. This classification aims to strike a balance between criminalizing illicit use while ensuring that legitimate users—such as veterinarians and ranchers—can continue to access the drug for animal treatment.
Moreover, the measure outlines a formal definition of “ultimate user,” identifying those who are “lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use,” thus safeguarding the necessary access for specific professionals.
Further Steps for Law Enforcement
The implications of this legislation extend beyond mere classification. The proposed bill would empower the DEA to monitor the manufacturing of xylazine, enabling authorities to trace and disrupt its infiltration into illegal drug markets. As drug trends evolve rapidly, proactive legislative measures like this are essential in adeptly combating threats to public safety.
Bondi’s Commitment to Justice
During her recent confirmation hearing, Bondi renewed her commitment to the Department of Justice’s core mission of protecting Americans and prosecuting criminals. Her plans include a concentrated focus on pressing issues such as gang violence, drug trafficking, and border security. “Getting back to basics is crucial,” she remarked, underlining her aim to confront issues posed by terrorist cartels and other foreign adversaries.
A Call for Bipartisan Action
As the bill advances through Congress, Senate leaders and stakeholders are hopeful for bipartisan support. The relevant parties understand that an effective response to the xylazine crisis requires collaboration and a commitment to public safety. If passed, this legislation could serve as a critical step towards reducing the public health risks associated with the increasing prevalence of xylazine in the national drug landscape.
The Broader Context
The rise of xylazine is a symptom of a larger trend in the drug epidemic affecting communities nationwide, with overdose deaths reaching alarming levels. The urgency for comprehensive drug policy reform is underscored by the realities on the ground and the pressing need to protect vulnerable populations from the dangers of new and emerging substances. There is a growing consensus that robust legislation, like that proposed by Senators Cortez Masto and Grassley, is essential to safeguard the health and safety of American communities.
Conclusion
The conversations surrounding xylazine and its dangers emphasize the significance of legislative action in addressing the complexities of the current drug crisis. The collaboration between Democrats and Republicans in pushing for this bill is not only a testament to the severity of the issue but also an opportunity for effective policy-making that prioritizes public health and safety. As more legislators join the call for action, the hope is for a timely and efficient response to mitigate the risks posed by xylazine and other similar substances.
