ICYMI: Baldwin Convenes Law Enforcement, Public Safety Leaders to Discuss Work Combatting Fentanyl Epidemic

MILWAUKEE, WI – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin hosted a meeting with Southeast Wisconsin law enforcement and public safety leaders for a robust discussion on addressing the fentanyl and opioid epidemic. During the meeting, Senator Baldwin discussed her efforts to crack down on Chinese chemical suppliers, invest in border security and technology, and support local communities in their prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

“I am grateful for our law enforcement and public safety officers who are on the front lines every day fighting the fentanyl crisis in Wisconsin. It was great to hear firsthand from leaders the dire impact of fentanyl in their communities and how we can continue working together to fight this epidemic,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to support our law enforcement and first responders in this fight, working to stop these dangerous drugs from coming into the country and ensure they have the tools and resources they need to save lives. This crisis doesn’t see partisan or geographic lines, and it will take all of us, working in lockstep, to combat it.”

Between April 2022 and April 2023, more than 111,000 Americans died from an overdose, and nearly 70 percent of overdose deaths were caused by fentanyl or another synthetic opioid. Senator Baldwin is working to pass her FEND Off Fentanyl Act to crack down on the chemical suppliers in China and cartels in Mexico to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain. Senator Baldwin also voted for, and is continuing to advocate for the passage of, a bipartisan package to invest in screening technology and border patrol agents to stop fentanyl from coming across the Southwest border. Baldwin is also fighting to close a trade loophole that is allowing China and other countries to bring illicit drugs like fentanyl into the country. To support law enforcement and first responders, Senator Baldwin is leading the Safe Response Act to train first responders on how to use life-saving overdose reversal drugs, like naloxone. Senator Baldwin’s Safe Response Act has garnered strong support from local, state, and national law enforcement leaders, including from attendees at the convening.

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