HR 128119th CongressIn Committee

Fentanyl is a WMD Act

Introduced: Jan 3, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4] (R-Colorado)

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Fentanyl is a WMD Act (H.R. 128) would direct the Department of Homeland Security to classify illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) for purposes of the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction framework (Title XIX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002). In short, if enacted, the bill would formally make fentanyl part of the DHS WMD policy framework, potentially triggering WMD-specific planning, coordination, and response mechanisms within DHS. The text provided is limited to this reclassification and does not specify funding, implementation details, or changes to criminal penalties.

Key Points

1Policy change: Requires the Assistant Secretary for the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office to treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
2Legal framework: Applies this treatment within Title XIX of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (the WMD program at DHS).
3Scope and limits: The bill does not specify new funding, enforcement measures, penalties, or procedural steps beyond the reclassification.
4Potential implications: Could lead to enhanced interagency coordination, planning, and use of WMD-specific authorities and processes within DHS related to fentanyl.
5Status: Introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Boebert and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security; no further actions listed in the provided text.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, especially the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office, and other WMD-related DHS activities (planning, interagency coordination, and potentially border and port security operations).Secondary group/area affected: Federal and state/local law enforcement and public health response systems that align with DHS WMD processes; first responders who might interface with DHS WMD protocols.Additional impacts: Potential changes in international law-enforcement cooperation and drug interdiction strategies under a WMD framework; possible indirect effects on funding priorities and resource allocations within DHS, though the bill does not specify funding.

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