Bipartisan Bill Co-Authored by Bilirakis to Combat Illicit Xylazine Unanimously Advances

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) today announced that the bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, legislation he co authored to combat the growing threat of illicit xylazine trafficking while protecting its legitimate veterinary use, was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce earlier today. The legislation was introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), August Pfluger (TX-11), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02). Having now cleared committee, the bill advances to the House Floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), underscoring the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for addressing this emerging public safety crisis. Xylazine, commonly referred to as "tranq," is a veterinary sedative that has increasingly been mixed with illicit fentanyl and other street drugs, making overdoses more difficult to reverse and contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths nationwide. Criminal organizations have exploited xylazine because it is inexpensive, widely available, and enhances the effects of fentanyl, creating an even more dangerous and deadly drug supply.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would designate illicit xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act while preserving access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who rely on the medication to safely care for animals. The legislation provides law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and prosecute traffickers without disrupting legitimate agricultural and veterinary practices. The legislation has earned the endorsement of 41 state attorneys general, major national law enforcement organizations, and leading veterinary organizations, reflecting the broad consensus that Congress must act to curb the illicit trafficking of xylazine while safeguarding its appropriate medical use.

"Our goal is simple. We want to save lives and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to hold accountable those who are illegally manufacturing and distributing these deadly substances that are devastating communities across our country," said Congressman Bilirakis. "I am proud that this bipartisan legislation has advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, bringing us one step closer to addressing this growing threat. Just as importantly, we must ensure that veterinarians who rely on xylazine to provide quality care for animals continue to have access to this important medication. Our legislation strikes the right balance by protecting public health, strengthening public safety, and preserving critical veterinary care."

"The xylazine crisis is only getting worse, and communities across America are paying the price," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11)."That's why I am proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act advance through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today. Xylazine was never meant for human use, yet traffickers are increasingly mixing it into street drugs to make them more potent and more deadly. This bill takes direct aim at traffickers exploiting this drug for illicit purposes, while preserving its legal use by veterinarians and agricultural producers. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until this critical legislation is signed into law."

"Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country," said Congressman Panetta. "The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help us fight back and keep our communities safe by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. The overwhelming approval of this bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee demonstrates the bipartisan consensus around stopping the illicit spread of this dangerous drug. I look forward to working with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and save lives."

"This legislation would help law enforcement crack down on illegal drug traffickers by tracking the manufacture of xylazine, a legal animal tranquilizer, which is being mixed with fentanyl, heroin, and other deadly drugs. It's now passed out of committee and should be swiftly brought to the floor for a vote," said Rep. Pappas. "As we work to combat the ongoing addiction epidemic, we must ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to stop drug trafficking."

"Xylazine, a powerful animal sedative, is increasingly being cut into illicit drugs like fentanyl, boosting the profits of criminal cartels and drug traffickers while fueling the overdose crisis in the United States," said Rep. Fitzgerald. "I'm pleased the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This bill will enhance law enforcement's ability to track xylazine distribution and impose criminal penalties on those who misuse it, while ensuring its availability for necessary veterinary use. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to its passage by the full House."

"Fentanyl overdoses continue to take far too many lives and devastate our communities, in no small part due to the widespread availability of deadly substances like xylazine," said Rep. Ross. "This bill will save lives by restricting access to this dangerous substance and giving law enforcement the tools they need to crack down on traffickers, while protecting legitimate uses of xylazine by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers. I am grateful for the bipartisan commitment to addressing this issue and look forward to hopefully passing this legislation with the full support of Congress."

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Actwould:

• Designate illicit xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act.
• Protect legitimate veterinary, agricultural, and livestock uses by establishing a clear definition of an "ultimate user," ensuring those lawfully authorized to possess and administer xylazine can continue to do so.
• Enable the Drug Enforcement Administration to better monitor the manufacture and distribution of xylazine to prevent diversion into the illicit drug market.
• Require a comprehensive federal report on the prevalence of illicit xylazine, its impact on public health and public safety, and recommendations for addressing its growing misuse.