Gus Bilirakis

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) today announced that the bipartisan, bicameral Combating Illicit Xylazine Act , legislation he co authored to combat the growing threat of illicit xylazine trafficking while protecting its legitimate veterinary use, was unanimously approved by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce earlier today. The legislation was introduced by Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), August Pfluger (TX-11), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02). Having now cleared committee, the bill advances to the House Floor for consideration by the full House of Representatives. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), underscoring the strong bipartisan and bicameral support for addressing this emerging public safety crisis. Xylazine, commonly referred to as "tranq," is a veterinary sedative that has increasingly been mixed with illicit fentanyl and other street drugs, making overdoses more difficult to reverse and contributing to a growing number of overdose deaths nationwide. Criminal organizations have exploited xylazine because it is inexpensive, widely available, and enhances the effects of fentanyl, creating an even more dangerous and deadly drug supply. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would designate illicit xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act while preserving access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who rely on the medication to safely care for animals. The legislation provides law enforcement with additional tools to investigate and prosecute traffickers without disrupting legitimate agricultural and veterinary practices. The legislation has earned the endorsement of 41 state attorneys general, major national law enforcement organizations, and leading veterinary organizations, reflecting the broad consensus that Congress must act to curb the illicit trafficking of xylazine while safeguarding its appropriate medical use. " Our goal is simple. We want to save lives and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to hold accountable those who are illegally manufacturing and distributing these deadly substances that are devastating communities across our country, " said Congressman Bilirakis . " I am proud that this bipartisan legislation has advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, bringing us one step closer to addressing this growing threat. Just as importantly, we must ensure that veterinarians who rely on xylazine to provide quality care for animals continue to have access to this important medication. Our legislation strikes the right balance by protecting public health, strengthening public safety, and preserving critical veterinary care." "The xylazine crisis is only getting worse, and communities across America are paying the price," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). "That's why I am proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act advance through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today. Xylazine was never meant for human use, yet traffickers are increasingly mixing it into street drugs to make them more potent and more deadly. This bill takes direct aim at traffickers exploiting this drug for illicit purposes, while preserving its legal use by veterinarians and agricultural producers. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until this critical legislation is signed into law." " Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country ," said Congressman Panetta. " The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help us fight back and keep our communities safe by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. The overwhelming approval of this bill in