A resolution supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.

Bill Number: S.Res. 186
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Health
Status: Passed Senate
Latest Action: 2025-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643; text: CR S2669)
Last Updated: 2026-05-15T20:34:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 186) expresses support for designating April 29, 2025, as "National Fentanyl Awareness Day." Its main goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills, which are illegally produced and marketed to look like legitimate prescription drugs, and their severe impact on families and young people in the United States.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes a detailed preamble with factual background on the fentanyl crisis, followed by specific actions:

Background Facts: Highlights how drug traffickers produce counterfeit pills mimicking prescription opioids, stimulants, or anxiety medications, often laced with lethal doses of fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) or other substances like methamphetamine. It cites statistics such as:
In 2024, law enforcement seized 60 million counterfeit pills and nearly 8,000 pounds of fentanyl powder, equivalent to over 377 million lethal doses.
Fake pills have been found in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Over 84,000 drug-induced deaths occurred in the 12 months ending October 2024, with more than 58,000 involving illicit fentanyl; youth deaths (ages 14-23) have surged, with fentanyl involved in 81% of such cases.
Only about 50-65% of teens and youth are aware of or knowledgeable about these counterfeit pills.
Resolved Actions:
Supports the recognition of National Fentanyl Awareness Day to educate the public on the risks to families and youth.
Applauds federal, state, and local law enforcement for efforts to combat counterfeit pills.
Encourages using existing legal powers to prevent the spread of these illicit drugs.
Officially designates April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or statutes. It does not create new regulations, funding, or penalties but reinforces current efforts by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other agencies to address the opioid crisis.

Potential Impacts

On Citizens: Aims to increase public knowledge, particularly among youth and families, about the hidden dangers in counterfeit pills sold online or via social media, potentially reducing accidental overdoses by promoting education and vigilance.
On Government Agencies: Boosts morale for law enforcement (e.g., DEA) by acknowledging their work; encourages proactive use of current tools to seize drugs, which could lead to more coordinated prevention efforts without new resources.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly addresses cross-border drug trafficking (e.g., fentanyl often sourced from abroad) by supporting U.S. enforcement awareness.

Overall, the resolution's symbolic nature may inspire community programs, school initiatives, or media campaigns on fentanyl awareness, but it lacks enforceable measures.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Youth and Families: Primary focus, as counterfeit pills disproportionately affect teens and young adults (ages 14-35), with overdose deaths rising sharply in this group.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Federal (DEA), state, and local officials combating drug trafficking and seizures.
Public Health and Education Entities: Schools, nonprofits, and health organizations that could use the awareness day for outreach and prevention programs.
General Public: All Americans, given the nationwide presence of these drugs and high overdose rates.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: No new legal obligations; it operates within the Senate's power to pass resolutions expressing policy views without affecting statutes or budgets.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's role in addressing public health and interstate commerce issues under the Commerce Clause, but as a resolution, it raises no constitutional challenges.
Political: Demonstrates strong bipartisan support, with sponsors from both parties (e.g., Grassley, Shaheen, McConnell), signaling unified concern over the opioid epidemic. It could influence future legislation on drug policy or funding but serves mainly as a platform for raising the issue's profile ahead of 2025.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]

Cosponsors (29)

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH], Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY], Sen. Fetterman, John [D-PA], Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV], Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT], Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA], Sen. Cramer, Kevin [R-ND], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Fischer, Deb [R-NE], Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS], Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND], Sen. Hagerty, Bill [R-TN], Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA], Sen. Cassidy, Bill [R-LA], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Cantwell, Maria [D-WA], Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR], Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL], Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC], Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

Recent Actions

2025-04-29: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643; text: CR S2669)
2025-04-29: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2643: 3; text: CR S2669: 2)
2025-04-29: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people. — issued 2025-04-29 — PDF (4 pages)