Tester Marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day

Senate unanimously passed resolution designating May 7^th as National Fentanyl Awareness Day

As part of his continued efforts to combat the deadly flow of fentanyl into Montana, U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced a resolution designating May 7, 2024 as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. Tester's resolution unanimously passed the Senate, and aims to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl.

"Fentanyl is a scourge on our communities and is devastating families across Montana - and every day this crisis goes unsolved makes Montana and our country less safe," said Tester. "That's why it is critically important to raise awareness, stand with our communities affected by fentanyl, and continue to pass legislation like my FEND Off Fentanyl Act to crack down on the cartels that are moving this poison and get this deadly drug off our streets."

Tester has led the charge to stop the deadly flow of fentanyl that is wreaking havoc on Montana. In April, Tester's FEND Off Fentanyl Actwas signed into law. This bipartisan law imposes economic sanctions on those engaged in the international trafficking of illicit fentanyl, precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl, or other related opioids, gives law enforcement more resources to combat fentanyl trafficking, and declares international trafficking of fentanyl as a national emergency.

Tester has also introduced his bipartisan ANTI Drugs Act to increase funding for law enforcement to combat drug trafficking. As the Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Tester passed critical provisions in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. He was also the only member of the Montana delegation to help pass the 2024 government funding bill to fund law enforcement and stop fentanyl trafficking along the southern border.

In November, Tester sent a letter urging President Biden to push Chinese President Xi Jinping to do more to stop the flow of illicit precursor chemicals that are exported from China. Tester also led a letter calling on President Biden to prioritize additional funding, resources, and innovative strategies to strengthen the security of our southern border and stop the flow of fentanyl.

Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.