H.R.3078 - To amend the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act to direct the Secretary of Energy to coordinate with certain Federal officials to conduct research, development, testing, and evaluation of novel technologies to detect fentanyl vapor or particles in support of rapid screening of the mails, at prisons, at United States borders, and in other related use cases, and for other purposes. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3078 aims to combat the fentanyl crisis by directing the Secretary of Energy to coordinate with other federal officials to research, develop, test, and evaluate technologies for detecting fentanyl vapor or particles. This initiative focuses on rapid screening in various locations, including mail facilities, prisons, and U.S. borders. The bill amends the Department of Energy Research and Innovation Act to incorporate this directive.
Expected Effects
The bill's enactment would lead to increased investment in fentanyl detection technology. This would likely result in enhanced screening capabilities at key locations. Ultimately, this could reduce the flow of fentanyl and related substances.
Potential Benefits
- Improved detection of fentanyl at borders and within the country.
- Enhanced safety for law enforcement and correctional officers.
- Potential reduction in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths.
- Stimulation of innovation in detection technology.
- Increased security in mail facilities and prisons.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased screening delays at borders and mail facilities.
- Risk of privacy concerns related to increased surveillance.
- Cost of research, development, and deployment of new technologies.
- Potential for technologies to be circumvented by drug traffickers.
- Possible unintended consequences or biases in detection methods.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Specifically, efforts to secure the borders and reduce crime fall under these objectives. However, the implementation of new screening technologies must be carefully monitored to ensure compliance with the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).