Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn, Jon Ossoff, and James Lankford have announced the Senate's approval of their bill aimed at enhancing law enforcement's ability to detect fentanyl. The Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act (DETECT) authorizes the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct research, testing, and evaluation on equipment designed to improve drug detection capabilities.

Senator Cornyn highlighted the dangers posed by fentanyl: “Fentanyl is an unyielding silent killer that lurks in the shadows of our communities, and we must assist law enforcement in rooting it out and stop the loss of more innocent lives.” He urged the House of Representatives to act swiftly on this legislation.

Senator Ossoff emphasized bipartisan cooperation: “Illegal fentanyl trafficking is devastating Georgia families and putting our kids at risk,” adding that the bill strengthens efforts against fentanyl trafficking.

Senator Lankford addressed broader border security concerns: “For anyone outside of the Washington, DC beltway, there is no doubt that the border is in chaos.” He called for DHS action against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The legislation is also supported by Senator Kyrsten Sinema. In the House, Representatives Nick LaLota, Lou Correa, and Don Davis are leading companion legislation.

The DETECT Act aims to establish a statutory responsibility for DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to enhance drug detection equipment. It proposes focus areas including portable detection tools requiring minimal sample handling, equipment capable of separating complex mixtures for better identification, and AI technologies for predicting controlled substances.

The act mandates S&T to align with federal guidelines on artificial intelligence management and consults reports from agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency for setting priorities. The initiative has received endorsements from various law enforcement organizations such as the National Association of Police Organizations and National Border Patrol Council.