Bill Overview
Title: Securing America’s Borders Against Fentanyl Act
Description: This bill requires research and reports on technology to address illicit drug trafficking. For example, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must develop a program to measure the effectiveness of technologies and strategies used by federal agencies to address the illicit trafficking of fentanyl and its precursors into the United States. Under the program, DHS must periodically report to Congress an analysis of technologies used in drug interdiction. The Government Accountability Office must periodically report to Congress on recommendations for improving the data collected and metrics used under the program.
Sponsors: Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by fentanyl trafficking and opioid crisis
Estimated Size: 20000000
- The primary goal of the bill is to address fentanyl trafficking, which is directly linked to the opioid crisis, affecting millions worldwide.
- Fentanyl trafficking impacts drug users, their families, and communities globally.
- The bill aims at improving technology and strategies to prevent drug trafficking, protecting potential victims.
- The bill will impact federal agencies involved in drug enforcement and border security.
Reasoning
- The target population mainly includes individuals and communities affected by the opioid crisis, especially those impacted by fentanyl trafficking.
- This also impacts federal agencies and personnel involved in drug enforcement, as well as communities where drug interdiction efforts would be bolstered.
- Disparate populations such as drug users, their families, law enforcement, and healthcare providers will experience varying levels of impact from this policy.
- Many will have indirect benefits through improved community safety and reduced drug availability.
- The budget constraints and target of improving technological measures will primarily support law enforcement initiatives.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (Charleston, WV)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see the impact of fentanyl daily—anything that can reduce its flow into our community is very welcome.
- This policy might help us with fewer overdose cases if it can effectively curb fentanyl trafficking.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
Border Patrol Agent (El Paso, TX)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having access to better tools and technology is crucial for the job.
- This policy seems focused on what we need to make a real difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 4 |
Recovering addict (Baltimore, MD)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's scary knowing how much fentanyl is out there.
- If this policy can help keep it off the streets, it could save lives, including mine.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Public health official (Newark, NJ)
Age: 51 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy addresses a crucial part of the supply chain problem.
- Federal support for research and technology could enhance our local efforts dramatically.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Tech industry worker (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't have much personal stake in this, but better border security sounds beneficial.
- Hopefully, this can reduce crime rates in areas hit hard by drugs.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Federal Policy Analyst (New York, NY)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step in the right direction for combating fentanyl trafficking.
- Ensuring proper implementation and funding will be crucial for its success.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Community activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It could mesh well with community efforts like awareness and harm reduction.
- Without curbing the supply, our work only provides temporary relief.
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 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
University student (Columbus, OH)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seems like an essential policy for anyone going into law enforcement.
- Exposure to advanced technology might offer great learning opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Retired teacher (Portland, ME)
Age: 61 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A stronger border might mean a safer neighborhood.
- I hope the policy includes enough oversight to prevent misuse.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Customs Officer (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- We've seen far too many cases where fentanyl has slipped through.
- Enhanced technology is exactly what we need for more effective prevention.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $45000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $60000000)
Year 2: $46000000 (Low: $41000000, High: $62000000)
Year 3: $47000000 (Low: $42000000, High: $64000000)
Year 5: $49000000 (Low: $44000000, High: $67000000)
Year 10: $52000000 (Low: $47000000, High: $70000000)
Year 100: $70000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $90000000)
Key Considerations
- The program's success depends on the effective implementation and development of new technologies and strategies.
- There may be unforeseen costs associated with research and the rapid technological evolution required for interdiction strategies.
- Long-term savings are contingent upon the reduction in fentanyl and precursor chemical trafficking.