Lesko; Miller-Meeks Leads Bill to Expand Title 42 to Tackle Drug Crisis

Statement

Today, U.S. Congresswomen Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) introduced the Securing the Border for Public Health Act to allow for the implementation of Title 42 Public Health Authorities to stop the import of certain controlled substances including narcotics, opiates, opium derivatives, and fentanyl-related substances.

"Our nation is facing a drug crisis and it starts at our southern border," said Congresswoman Lesko. "This bill will allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to enact Title 42 Public Health Authorities to stop the import of controlled substances in addition to its current implementation for preventing the spread of communicable diseases. It is our hope that the Biden Administration will use this change to extend Title 42 to tackle this drug crisis."

"Time after time the Biden Administration has shown that they are incapable of securing the U.S.-Mexico border. There are record numbers of illicit narcotics, such as fentanyl and opioids, crossing the border every day," said Congresswoman Miller-Meeks. "The Biden Administration must forward a thoughtful and detailed plan to protect our border, support law enforcement, and keep our communities safe. Until that time, Title 42 should remain in place."

Under current law, Title 42 Public Health Authorities can only be exercised to limit the spread of a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. The Securing the Border for Public Health Act expands the application of Title 42 to include stopping the import of illicit drugs. This change will allow the Biden Administration to extend the current Title 42 Public Health Authority to address the ongoing threat of illicit drugs to American communities.

Source