Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Tim Kaine have introduced the STOP TRANQ Act to address the escalating threat posed by the drug xylazine, commonly known as "tranq," in the United States. The bipartisan bill aims to enhance efforts in combating the dangerous impact of tranq on American communities.

The STOP TRANQ Act would mandate the State Department to include reporting on xylazine in its annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report. This move is crucial as xylazine, a powerful sedative often mixed with fentanyl, has led to over 3,000 overdose deaths in 2021. Sen. Cruz emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Tranq is claiming Texan lives, and lives all across our great nation." He highlighted the need for comprehensive action to tackle the increasing presence of xylazine in the country's drug crisis.

Sen. Kaine echoed his commitment to addressing the fentanyl crisis and emphasized the importance of utilizing all available tools to combat it. He expressed his satisfaction in partnering with Sen. Cruz on the bipartisan bill, emphasizing the necessity of taking proactive steps to confront the threat posed by xylazine. Sen. Kaine stated, "It is a commonsense step to address the threat posed by xylazine, and I urge my colleagues to join us in getting it across the finish line."

The legislation, also supported by Senators Marco Rubio, Jeff Merkley, and Bill Hagerty, underscores the bipartisan effort to address the evolving challenges associated with xylazine use. The detrimental effects of tranq, particularly in combination with fentanyl, have prompted a significant increase in overdose deaths, with the American South experiencing a notable surge in its presence.

In response to the escalating crisis, the White House designated fentanyl-mixed xylazine as an "emerging threat" and initiated a National Response Plan to combat its proliferation. The STOP TRANQ Act builds on previous bipartisan efforts, such as the Cruz-Welch TRANQ Research Act and the Kaine-Ernst Disrupt Fentanyl Trafficking Act, to strengthen the nation's response to the drug crisis.

The introduction of the STOP TRANQ Act signifies a crucial step towards addressing the pressing issue of xylazine abuse and its severe consequences on public health and safety. With bipartisan support and a focus on enhancing reporting mechanisms, the Act aims to equip the State Department with the necessary tools to combat the illicit trafficking of tranq and safeguard communities from its devastating effects.