Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Study the Effects of the Fentanyl Crisis on Taxpayers in America

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and Congressman Russell Fry (R-SC) introduced the Fentanyl Crisis Research and Evaluation Act. This legislation requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on how the fentanyl crisis is affecting various sectors of our society to understand its implications on American taxpayers.

“To combat the fentanyl crisis effectively, we need to understand the full scope of the problem,” said Congressman Ruben Gallego. “By reporting on the impacts of the fentanyl crisis on the labor market, health programs, housing, and more, the Fentanyl Crisis Research and Evaluation Act will give Congress the information we need to mitigate the burden on states and the American people. I’m proud to have worked on a bipartisan basis with Rep. Fry to introduce this bill.”

“Fentanyl is the deadliest drug our country has faced, and it has taken the lives of too many Americans,” said Congressman Russell Fry. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will give the federal government a deeper understanding of the implications of this ongoing crisis. There is no other study that includes the specific information that this legislation requires. It’s important for lawmakers to understand the effects of this deadly drug on our country so we can pinpoint solutions to address it.”

In an Axios-Ipsos poll published just yesterday, Americans said opioids and fentanyl are the number one health threat in this country. In order for the government to present solutions to combat the fentanyl crisis head-on, it is important to understand its effects. 

Specifically, this legislation requires the Comptroller General to study the effects of the fentanyl crisis in seven different areas, including — the labor market, industry sectors, federal tax revenue, federal benefits programs, federal health programs, housing instability, and state finances, including the resulting effect on the federal government.

It also requires the Comptroller General to provide recommendations on how the federal government can better assist the states and address the fentanyl crisis more efficiently.