The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill authored by Congressman Addison McDowell, designated as H.R. 2351, aimed at enhancing the Coast Guard’s role in drug enforcement and overdose response efforts. This marks the first time Congressman McDowell’s legislation has been approved by the House.
“Our Coast Guard is taking the fight straight to fentanyl traffickers off our coast, stopping dangerous drugs before they poison our communities,” said Congressman McDowell. “This bill gives them the muscle and authority they need to secure our maritime borders, prosecute traffickers hiding behind unmanned vessels, and save lives with immediate access to naloxone.”
The bill seeks to bolster the Coast Guard’s capabilities by extending its authority to address cases involving unmanned vessels or situations where drugs are smuggled without crew awareness. Additionally, it mandates that naloxone and other critical overdose treatments be readily accessible wherever Coast Guard personnel are stationed.
“This bill gives our Coast Guard the tools they need to save lives and stop traffickers,” added McDowell.
Following its approval in the House of Representatives, H.R. 2351 will now move on to the U.S. Senate for further deliberation.
Read the full bill text here.
