“This is an example of the long-lasting solutions that Republicans and Democrats can work on together to secure our border and prevent the flow of drugs into our communities.”

Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) introduced bipartisan legislation to more forcefully go after criminals trafficking drugs and stop fentanyl from ravaging Tennesse communities. This bill would reauthorize the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program—which brings together federal and local law enforcement to stop drug trafficking—and provide them with greater resources to cover more activities to enhance fentanyl prevention and seizures. 

Cosponsors of the HIDTA Enhancement Act include Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-NV), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN). Kelly, Capito, Blackburn, and Cortez Masto introduced this bill last year. 

“Communities in Tennessee are suffering because of the increased presence of fentanyl,” said Senator Blackburn.“The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program assists law enforcement in combating fentanyl trafficking and targeting these criminals, and I fully support reauthorizing and expanding it.” 

“Law enforcement agencies in Arizona are doing their best every single day to keep families safe from lethal drugs like fentanyl. We’re supporting them by boosting collaboration between federal and local law enforcement to crack down on drug trafficking,” said Senator Kelly. “This is an example of the long-lasting solutions that Republicans and Democrats can work on together to secure our border and prevent the flow of drugs into our communities.” 

“Every West Virginian has been impacted by the opioid crisis, and fentanyl being trafficked into our communities has made the problem exponentially worse,” said Senator Capito. “The brave law enforcement officers of HIDTA are working every day to stop illicit fentanyl and other illegal drugs in their tracks. I am proud to introduce this legislation that will continue to support the HIDTA program’s mission, provide additional resources to stop the trafficking of fentanyl, and save lives across the country.” 

“The HIDTA program has been an incredible tool to help law enforcement agencies nationwide to combat drug trafficking and the fentanyl crisis,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I will continue working with my colleagues across the aisle to expand funding and support for HIDTA. We must ensure our communities have the resources they need to keep drugs off our streets and protect Nevada families.”   

“The opioid epidemic is taking lives and tearing families apart. We need to continue to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to fight drug trafficking and the violent crime that comes along with it,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan bill will increase coordination among all levels of law enforcement across the country, including in Minnesota and at the border, so they can more effectively take fentanyl and other dangerous drugs off the street.”

Background:

The bipartisan HIDTA Enhancement Act specifically reauthorizes the program at $333,000,000 annually through 2030; increases authorization for competitive grants to $14,224,000 and expands use of funds to include enhanced fentanyl seizure and interdiction activities; directs collaboration between the Attorney General and the Executive Boards of each designated HIDTA; and requires ONDCP to provide a report within the annual National Drug Control Strategy describing the use of HIDTA funds to investigate fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances. 

Arizona HIDTA was established in 1990 and includes the designated counties of Cochise, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, and Yuma. The program coordinates and supports the efforts of 704 full-time and 33 part-time participants from 88 federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. It also employs a balanced approach between supply reduction and demand reduction with regard to enforcement, prevention, and treatment. 

In 2023, Arizona law enforcement agencies seized 123,666,772 fentanyl pills and 2,001 kilograms of fentanyl powder as a result of HIDTA initiatives and other counter drug efforts. 

Cosponsors:

Cosponsors of the HIDTA Enhancement Act include Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Kelly, Capito, Blackburn, and Cortez Masto introduced this bill last year.  

Click here to see bill text.