Bill Overview
Title: FENTANYL Results Act
Description: This bill creates two programs, establishes a reporting requirement, and otherwise modifies provisions to facilitate global cooperation against the trafficking of certain drugs, specifically synthetic controlled substances (such as fentanyl) and new psychoactive substances. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of State to establish a program to provide capacity-building assistance for law enforcement agencies of specified countries to identify, track, and detect such drugs. The State Department must also carry out an international exchange program for drug demand reduction experts to provide educational and professional development on demand-reduction matters relating to the illicit use of drugs, including synthetic drugs. The bill requires the State Department to include new sections in its annual international narcotics control strategy report that contain (1) an assessment of the countries likely involved in the trafficking of synthetic controlled substances and new psychoactive substances, and (2) policies of responding to new psychoactive substances. The bill also expands the definition of major illicit drug producing country to include countries that produce synthetic drugs. Under current law, foreign assistance may be withheld from such countries.
Sponsors: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by synthetic drug trafficking globally
Estimated Size: 2000000
- This bill targets international drug trafficking, focusing on synthetic substances like fentanyl.
- Fentanyl overdose deaths have increased significantly worldwide, indicating a broad global impact on public health.
- Given that the legislation targets capacity-building in foreign law enforcement agencies, it implies a focus on countries with significant trafficking issues without sufficient current capacity to handle these issues.
- The establishment of drug demand reduction exchanges suggests targeting countries with significant issues of drug demand, not just supply.
- The US has a vested interest in the global fentanyl crisis as it directly impacts American health, security, and law enforcement.
Reasoning
- The policy mainly targets international efforts to combat synthetic drug trafficking, which means the direct impact on individual citizens may be indirect or subtle, except for those closely involved or affected by the drug trade.
- Owing to the budget constraints and the focus on foreign countries, the policy may not immediately alter domestic availability of synthetic drugs but might impact the long-term drug flow.
- The U.S. being a major consumer of synthetic drugs, individuals affected are diverse across law enforcement, healthcare, and user demographics.
- The policy might not directly change the daily lives of average citizens but could improve long-term prospects around drug-related crimes and health crises.
Simulated Interviews
Construction worker (Ohio)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If this stops drugs on the street, it's a good thing.
- Lost a friend to an overdose, so if this saves lives, I'm all in.
- Direct effects might not be visible immediately, but could help future generations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Public health worker (Kentucky)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- International cooperation is crucial for solving drug crises.
- I hope this leads to fewer cases to handle at work.
- Long-term impact on public health could be significant.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Drug Enforcement Agent (Texas)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional resources may help us track and stop these substances effectively.
- The policy needs sustainable funding and cooperation.
- Short-term may not change much, but we need this long-term effort.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
University student (California)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems wise in addressing global supply for a local issue.
- Focusing on capacity building can have sustainable impacts.
- As a student, this reflects positively on federal policy-making.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen families devastated by synthetic drugs; hope this helps to curb it.
- We need more investment in education and prevention.
- Long-term concerted efforts required to see results.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Police officer (New York)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- International efforts might reduce local drug crimes.
- Policy might reduce street-level availability over time.
- Colleagues might feel safer if drugs are seized at the source.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Nurse (Illinois)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing drug importation impacts emergency departments positively.
- We have to wait to see real changes in overdose cases.
- Welcomes any effort that leads to fewer late-night overdose cases.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Freelance journalist (Washington)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- International policy is key for impactful change.
- Interested in tracking long-term outcomes of this policy.
- The intersection between social equities and drug policies needs more discussion.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Teacher (Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Education is crucial; this could provide more resources.
- Direct impact might not be obvious, but long-term prevention is benefited.
- Schools should integrate learnings from international experts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Retired law enforcement (Nevada)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Past efforts show international cooperation is beneficial.
- Synthetic drugs demand a different approach that this policy provides.
- Hopeful for future efforts but cautiously optimistic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $4000000, High: $6000000)
Year 2: $7000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $8000000)
Year 3: $7500000 (Low: $6500000, High: $8500000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $7000000, High: $9000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- International cooperation requires sustained diplomatic engagement and resources, potentially influencing US foreign policy priorities.
- The costs associated with establishing and maintaining these programs are subject to variations in international participation and success rates.
- Potential political resistance in both the US and partner countries could affect implementation timelines and costs.
- Evaluation of the policy's effectiveness in reducing drug trafficking may face challenges due to the complexity of international drug trade networks.