REPS. GRAY AND EVANS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO COUNTER FENTANYL CRISIS

WASHINGTON, DC - Representatives Adam Gray (CA-13) and Gabe Evans (CO-08) last week introduced legislation to counter the fentanyl crisis. The bipartisan Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act would expand grant funding for fentanyl awareness campaigns aimed at children and support training programs and equipment purchases for law enforcement agencies tracking and apprehending fentanyl traffickers.

"Tens of thousands of Americans have lost their lives to fentanyl, and thousands more mourn them every day," said Representative Gray. "It's time Congress acts to end the fentanyl crisis and keep the Central Valley safe. The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act would teach kids early about the dangers of fentanyl, and ensure our law enforcement officers have what they need to put those who traffic fentanyl behind bars. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense solution to protect Valley families."

"As a former cop in Colorado, I know firsthand how our states' soft-on-crime policies have led to the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our communities," said Representative Evans. "This legislation will help to educate families, while giving our law enforcement the tools and critical resources they need to combat this and keep Americans safe. Everyone deserves to live in a community free from the threat of fentanyl poisonings."

The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act has been endorsed by District Attorneys across the Central Valley, including Merced County DA Nicole Silveira, Fresno County DA Lisa Smittcamp, San Joaquin County DA Ron Freitas, and Stanislaus County DA Jeff Laugero, as well as national law enforcement and advocacy organizations.

"As a district attorney, I know firsthand how fentanyl devastates our families and our community," said Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira. "Merced County law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect us. They deserve all the support they need to continue their service. That's why I'm proud to support the bipartisan Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act, which will enhance our officers' ability to track and arrest fentanyl dealers, engage the community in promoting awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, and invest in protective material for officers. I'm glad to see our representatives get serious about protecting the Valley from fentanyl and grateful to Rep. Gray for his work on this issue."

"Fresno County has been relentless in our fight against the fentanyl crisis, leading education, and awareness campaigns for years to protect our community and save lives," said Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. "We have never let up, because the threat of fentanyl continues to devastate families across the Central Valley. That is why I am proud to support Congressman Gray's Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act, which provides the critical resources law enforcement and prevention programs need to stay ahead of this epidemic. With support like this, we can continue educating youth, holding dealers accountable, and keeping our families and neighborhoods safe."

"San Joaquin County families have lost too many loved ones to fentanyl," said San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas. "Programs like our "One Pill Can Kill" awareness campaign are critical to educating young people and keeping San Joaquin County safe. Representative Gray's Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act will allow us to expand our educational efforts while supporting our law enforcement officers as they continue to target, apprehend and prosecute those who traffic fentanyl. I'm proud to endorse this legislation on behalf of our San Joaquin County community."

"Ending the fentanyl crisis will require a whole-of-government response," said Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero. "In Stanislaus County, we've undertaken innovative programs to reach school-aged children to raise awareness of the dangers of fentanyl, as well as robust training for law enforcement partners in our communities. That's why I'm proud to support Representative Gray's Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act, which would allow Stanislaus County to expand these vital programs to keep families safe and prevent fentanyl trafficking."

"As the opioid epidemic continues to plague our streets and take the lives of our young people, it's of the utmost importance that we provide state and local law enforcement agencies with the resources needed to combat this growing crisis," said Brian R. Marvel, President of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC). "The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act will enhance the vital role officers and community members play in combatting this crisis by establishing grant programs that support agencies with arresting dealers, educate communities on the dangers of fentanyl, and protect officers from exposure to this substance. We applaud Congressman Gray for his leadership on this issue - this bill is an important step toward reversing the trend of rising overdoses and keeping our communities and families safe."

"The spread of fentanyl in our communities is devastating," said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). "It is being mixed with already deadly illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our youth through social media. The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act focuses on the deadly impact this poison has on our nation's youth by providing resources to law enforcement, schools, families, and victims to combat and deter sales of fentanyl on social media and to educate communities on the dangers of this illicit drug. With 75 percent of teen overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, the time to act to protect our children is now. NAPO supports this important bill and thanks Representatives Evans and Gray for their advocacy and leadership."

Victims Of Illicit Drugs also endorsed the bill. "V.O.I.D., 'Victims Of Illicit Drugs' strongly supports the Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act of 2025 because it recognizes the urgent need to save lives through prevention, education, and awareness. By providing grants to nonprofits, the bill empowers bereaved families and community organizations like ours to share real stories, produce educational materials, and directly reach the public with life-saving information about the dangers of fentanyl. It also ensures that parents, teachers, and school staff are trained to recognize risks and respond effectively with tools such as naloxone. Importantly, the bill prioritizes protecting children from online drug dealers and equips law enforcement to safely confront the fentanyl crisis in our communities. This legislation represents a vital step toward addressing the fentanyl epidemic through a balanced approach of enforcement, education, and community action."

Read the full text of the bill here.

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