VIDEO: On Overdose Awareness Day, Senator Moody Continues Fight to Save Lives from Deadly Illicit Opioids

WASHINGTON, D.C.-On National Overdose Awareness Day, Senator Ashley Moody is continuing the fight to save lives from illicit opioids. Through Senator Moody's work as the former Florida Attorney General, Florida led the nation in fentanyl interdictions and has seen fentanyl-related deaths fall faster than the national average. Senator Moody is working now in Washington to provide federal law enforcement agencies with the tools needed to investigate, arrest and prosecute fentanyl traffickers and drug cartels.

"On Overdose Awareness Day, we pause to remember the lives lost to the opioid epidemic. Florida has made encouraging progress, with our deaths caused by fentanyl decreasing faster than the national average, but our work is far from over. I will continue fighting in Washington to hold drug traffickers accountable and support law enforcement efforts to save lives," said Senator Ashley Moody.

BACKGROUND:

• By coordinating local, state, and federal partners, Florida reduced fentanyl-related deaths by 42% from the first half of 2024 to the first half of 2025-greater than the estimated nationwide decrease of 22% from 2024 to 2025.
• As Florida's newest United States Senator, Senator Moody continues to combat the nation's fentanyl crisis by cosponsoring the HALT Fentanyl Act, Tyler's Law, and most recently the PRESS Act. Last Summer, Senator Moody joined President Trump as he signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law. The new law assists law enforcement officers get fentanyl traffickers off the streets and permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act;
• Tyler's Law would require HHS to issue guidance on whether hospital emergency departments should implement fentanyl testing as a routine procedure for patients experiencing an overdose.
• PRESS Act would criminalize the intentional importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals with the intent to manufacture illicit drugs.
• As Florida Attorney General, Senator Moody chaired the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse and secured a massive multibillion-dollar settlement from opioid manufacturers, distributors and pharmacies.
• Senator Moody is a long-time supporter of the rule of law and of law enforcement officers.
• Since becoming Florida's newest Senator, Moody has also:
  • Introduced the HALO Act to shield federal officers from those who seek to threaten and harass them on duty;
  • Supported the Graham Hoffman Act, which would allow the U.S. to use the full force of state and federal law to prosecute those who assault first responders and act as a deterrent to anyone considering such acts of violence;
  • Introduced the HELPER Act to make homeownership more obtainable for Florida heroes, including law enforcement officers;
  • Sponsored the RIPPLE Act, which would expand the 287(g) program and provide resources to state law enforcement to more efficiently get criminal illegal aliens out of communities; and
  • Advanced six bills to support law enforcement, strengthen public safety and deliver critical tools to officers out of the Judiciary Committee during Police Week earlier this year.
• As Florida's Attorney General, Senator Moody created many programs to recognize the selfless efforts of law enforcement officers, including her Back the Blue, Thin Line Tribute, and Sunshine Salute programs. Moody also worked with state lawmakers to strengthen statutes to hold criminals accountable and help officers and prosecutors do their jobs. Moody also created the Helping Heroes program to provide access to free naloxone for first responders statewide.

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