On Thursday, a group of senators led by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) reintroduced the Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act, which would make the distribution of fentanyl, resulting in death, punishable by federal felony murder charges.
The reintroduction of the bill came in response to “the surge of illicit fentanyl being trafficked across our southern border and into our communities,” a press release from Rubio’s office explained.
“Illicit fentanyl remains the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, drug dealers are increasingly targeting children and young people with fentanyl pills made to look like candy,” the press release added.
“We need to stop the flow of fentanyl and punish those responsible for poisoning our communities. If the illicit sale of this drug results in death, then the seller should be charged with felony murder. That is a simple, common sense step we can take right now to help turn the tide and protect our communities,” Rubio explained.
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) reintroduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“Fentanyl is killing Americans at record levels and poses a deadly risk to every single American. With President Biden failing to address this national security crisis, this legislation in Congress is critical to ensure criminals who traffic this deadly drug are met with severe penalties under the law. We must stop this scourge on our communities,” Gonzales said.
Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Rick Scott (R-FL), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) cosponsored the legislation.