Petroplex News

Congressman August Pfluger and colleagues have reintroduced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, a bipartisan and bicameral legislation aimed at controlling the use of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer being used as a cutting agent for fentanyl. The proposed bill seeks to list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while ensuring its legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers remains protected.

Xylazine, also known as "tranq," is gaining attention due to its role in exacerbating the fentanyl crisis. The legislation has received support from 39 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary groups. Key provisions include scheduling xylazine under the Controlled Substances Act, defining "ultimate user" for legitimate use, enabling the DEA to track its manufacturing, and requiring a report on its prevalence and risks.

Rep. Pfluger stated: “Our country is facing a drug epidemic that has devastated families and communities across America. We must crack down on deadly drugs being flooded into our communities.” He emphasized working with lawmakers to address illicit uses of xylazine while preserving its agricultural importance.

The bill is co-led by Representatives Jimmy Panetta, Gus Bilirakis, Chris Pappas, Scott Fitzgerald, Deborah Ross, and Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Chuck Grassley. Rep. Panetta highlighted the urgency of action: “Illicit xylazine is exacerbating the deadly fentanyl crisis... With strong bipartisan and bicameral support, we are pushing for urgent action.”

Senator Cortez Masto remarked on the need for tools to combat illegal use: “Xylazine poses a growing threat... My bipartisan bill would crack down on illegal use while protecting legitimate use by veterinarians.”

Senator Grassley added: “Illicit xylazine is contributing to the national drug epidemic... This bipartisan bill recognizes the lethal threat of xylazine.”

Rep. Bilirakis commented on balancing enforcement with legitimate use: “Our goal is to save lives... Our legislation strikes that right balance.”

Rep. Pappas stressed tracking manufacture and providing resources for law enforcement: “This legislation would track the manufacture of xylazine... I hope that this legislation will be swiftly brought to the floor for a vote.”

Rep. Fitzgerald spoke about classifying xylazine as necessary for safety: “To help keep Americans safe, we must classify xylazine as a Schedule III narcotic.”

Finally, Rep. Ross noted: “Drug overdoses have devastated communities... This bipartisan bill is a commonsense solution to equip both federal and local law enforcement with urgently needed resources.”

The reintroduction follows previous overwhelming bipartisan support in the House.