Bill Overview
Title: Stop Fentanyl Border Crossings Act
Description: This bill authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of illicit drugs into the United States. Current law authorizes HHS to restrict migration and imports from foreign countries to prevent the introduction of communicable diseases. Under this bill, HHS may also restrict migration and imports from a country if HHS determines that the existence of substantial illicit drug smuggling from that country poses a risk to public health.
Sponsors: Rep. DesJarlais, Scott [R-TN-4]
Target Audience
Population: People susceptible to fentanyl exposure or misuse
Estimated Size: 2000000
- Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is a significant contributor to overdose deaths worldwide.
- The bill allows HHS to take measures to prevent the entry of illicit drugs, specifically fentanyl, into the U.S. from foreign countries.
- Individuals who are substance-dependent on opioids, particularly those at risk of fentanyl exposure, are likely to be impacted by reducing the availability of fentanyl.
- The health and wellbeing of families and communities currently facing the opioid crisis would be positively impacted by reductions in fentanyl supply.
- Countries with known prevalent smuggling routes might see changes in their export practices and border policies.
- The global population involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances may experience economic and legal impacts.
Reasoning
- The policy targets reducing the supply of fentanyl, a major factor in the opioid crisis, impacting those at risk of opioid misuse or exposure.
- The budget constraints mean that widespread implementation might be limited, focusing on high-impact areas or border locations.
- The policy likely increases in effectiveness over time as supply chains are disrupted.
- Not everyone faces direct impact; some communities with less opioid issues might see minimal changes.
- Cost-effectiveness depends on the scope and international cooperation in curbing drug imports.
- The indirect social and economic benefits, such as reduced healthcare and criminal justice costs, are harder to quantify but significant.
Simulated Interviews
Factory Worker (Detroit, MI)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy seems like a step in the right direction.
- I hope this reduces the amount of drugs on the street and helps people like me stay clean.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Nurse (Boston, MA)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing availability of fentanyl could save numerous lives.
- Concerned about potential racial profiling at borders.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (San Diego, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital to cut down drug access, especially close to borders.
- The bill might push smuggling to more dangerous underground methods, though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Small Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 45 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Pharmaceutical market might be affected in supply terms.
- Supportive of measures that reduce illicit drug impact on local communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Unemployed (Philadelphia, PA)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry this will lead to harsher treatment without actual help.
- Less fentanyl might mean less temptation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Retired Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support any policy that might keep our streets safer and cleaner.
- The long-term societal benefits could be enormous.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Paramedic (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can help prevent the tragedies I see every day.
- I'm concerned about its implementation without holistic support for addicts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Social Worker (Chicago, IL)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a critical step but should be coupled with support systems.
- Fentanyl availability reduction could save many family structures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Waiter (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 21 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope for fewer temptations and safer communities.
- My concern is about whether it will drive prices up, affecting usage patterns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Warehouse Manager (Seattle, WA)
Age: 48 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Interesting how it could shift trade routes but cautiously optimistic about its benefits.
- May affect international relations in trade and border agreements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 2: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 3: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 5: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 10: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Year 100: $240000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $300000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination with foreign governments to implement effective restrictions while managing diplomatic relations.
- Balancing the need for border security improvements with civil liberty considerations related to migration restrictions.
- Monitoring economic impacts on international trade and identifying alternative solutions where disruptions occur.
- Addressing potential pushback from countries affected by the restrictions.