Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 617
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-19T09:07:50Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 617) expresses support for the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, observed annually on August 21. It aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl—a highly addictive synthetic opioid—to prevent overdoses, addiction, and deaths, while honoring those lost to it.
Key Provisions
- Recognition of the Issue: Highlights the severe impact of illicit fentanyl, noting it is 100 times more potent than morphine, often mixed with other drugs or disguised as legitimate pills, and was the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in 2024 (contributing to over 82,100 total deaths, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl involved in about two-thirds).
- Observance Details: Affirms that the day is supported by state governors, attorneys general, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), parent-teacher associations, law enforcement programs, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and numerous organizations.
- House Actions:
- Supports the goals of the day, including preserving memories of victims, acknowledging the devastation caused, and sharing awareness to prevent public health crises.
- Encourages the public to promote prevention, educate youth, and commit to drug-free lifestyles.
- Urges children, teens, and individuals to choose drug-free lives.
- Promotes the creation of drug-free communities and participation in prevention activities.
- Supporting Facts: Notes record seizures of illicit fentanyl (over 16,600 pounds by U.S. Customs and Border Protection as of June 2025) and the role of affected families in advocacy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and introduces no changes to existing laws. It does not create new mandates, allocate funds, or amend statutes; instead, it serves as a symbolic statement of congressional support.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public education and awareness about fentanyl risks, potentially reducing unintentional overdoses (especially among 18- to 45-year-olds) by encouraging drug-free choices and community involvement. It highlights how fentanyl is often unknowingly consumed in other drugs.
- On Government Agencies: Reinforces collaboration among agencies like the DEA, CDC, and border protection in awareness efforts, but imposes no new requirements or resources.
- On International Relations: Indirectly acknowledges the cross-border nature of fentanyl trafficking (e.g., seizures at borders), but has no direct policy effects.
- Overall, impacts are primarily educational and cultural, fostering prevention without enforceable actions.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Families and Victims: Those impacted by fentanyl overdoses, who lead awareness efforts and seek to prevent further losses.
- Communities and Individuals: Parents, youth, schools, businesses, religious groups, senior citizens, medical/military personnel, sports teams, and the general public encouraged to adopt drug-free lifestyles.
- Government and Organizations: Federal agencies (DEA, CDC, Office of National Drug Control Policy), state/local officials, law enforcement, and nonprofits involved in drug prevention.
- Law Enforcement: Benefits from highlighted seizure efforts, supporting ongoing anti-trafficking work.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no legal force and cannot be challenged in court; it is purely expressive.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in informing public policy on health and safety under the Constitution's general welfare clause, without infringing on individual rights.
- Political: Demonstrates bipartisan support (introduced by representatives from Georgia and New York) for addressing the opioid crisis, potentially influencing future funding or legislation on drug prevention. It underscores the fentanyl epidemic as a national public health and safety priority, but remains symbolic rather than substantive.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-29: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-07-29: Submitted in House
- 2025-07-29: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. — issued 2025-07-29 — PDF (4 pages)