WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Congresswomen Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) reintroduced 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. Lesko introduced this legislation in the 117^th Congress.

“The Biden Administration’s open border policies have fueled our nation’s deadly drug crisis by allowing dangerous, illicit drugs to flood across our borders,” said Congresswoman Lesko. “Under the Biden Administration, we have seen record amounts of drugs, including fentanyl, infiltrate our communities and take the lives of thousands of Americans. I am pleased to reintroduce this important legislation to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to utilize Title 42 to combat this growing public health crisis, and save the lives of Americans across our nation.”

Under current law, Title 42 Public Health Authorities can only be exercised to limit the spread of a communicable disease. This legislation 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.

Lesko was joined by Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) in introducing this legislation.

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