H.R.es359 - 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. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.Res.359 supports the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2025. It aims to increase public awareness of the dangers posed by fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills, particularly among families and young people. The resolution acknowledges the alarming rise in fentanyl-related deaths and the prevalence of counterfeit pills, urging proactive measures to combat the issue.
Expected Effects
The resolution's passage would likely lead to increased public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives regarding the dangers of fentanyl. It could also encourage greater collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat the proliferation of counterfeit pills. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce fentanyl-related deaths and protect vulnerable populations, especially young people.
Potential Benefits
- Increased public awareness regarding the dangers of counterfeit fentanyl pills.
- Enhanced collaboration among law enforcement agencies to combat the spread of these pills.
- Potential reduction in fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths, particularly among young people.
- Support for families and communities affected by the opioid crisis.
- Promotion of proactive measures to prevent the spread of illicit counterfeit pills.
Potential Disadvantages
- The resolution itself does not allocate specific funding or resources, potentially limiting its impact.
- Increased awareness campaigns may not reach all target audiences effectively.
- Law enforcement efforts may face challenges in identifying and intercepting counterfeit pills.
- The resolution does not address the underlying causes of drug addiction and misuse.
- Over-reliance on law enforcement may lead to unintended consequences, such as increased incarceration rates.
Constitutional Alignment
The resolution aligns with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution, as it seeks to address a significant public health crisis. Specifically, the preamble to the Constitution states the goal to "promote the general Welfare". While the resolution itself does not directly infringe upon any specific constitutional rights, its implementation should be mindful of individual liberties and due process. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the federal role should be balanced with state and local efforts.
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).