Legislation known as the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act has been signed into law by the President of the United States. The bill, authored by Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins, marks a significant achievement for the freshman congressman.
H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, was the first bill introduced by Representative Collins and received unanimous support throughout the legislative process. It was reported out of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee on March 29 with a vote of 36-0. The bill then passed the House on May 11 with a vote of 425-0 and the Senate by unanimous consent on June 22 with a minor amendment. Finally, it passed the House again on December 4 and was signed into law on December 19.
Representative Collins expressed his pride in having the TRANQ Research Act become his first bill to be signed into law. He emphasized the importance of providing law enforcement personnel with additional resources to combat the devastating impact of synthetic opioids on American communities.
"Novel opioids like tranq are presenting new challenges for law enforcement, health care professionals, and first responders," said Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas. He commended Representative Collins for his forward-thinking work on the legislation, stating that it authorizes critical research and development to better understand, detect, and handle these deadly drugs. Chairman Lucas also highlighted the significance of this legislation being the first bill authored by a freshman member of the 118th Congress to become law.
The TRANQ Research Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to focus on the science needed to detect, identify, and better understand synthetic opioids. This includes deepening partnerships and strategic initiatives to address the challenges posed by drugs like tranq. Specifically, the legislation aims to tackle the use of a dangerous fentanyl analog that contains xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer.
Tranq, also known as the "Zombie Drug," has alarming side effects that include large wounds that don't heal and resistance to standard opioid overdose treatments. Its use is on the rise across the country and is contributing to an increasing number of drug overdoses.
The signing of the TRANQ Research Act into law highlights the commitment of lawmakers to address the opioid crisis and protect American communities. By authorizing critical research and development, this legislation aims to provide law enforcement and health care professionals with the knowledge needed to combat the spread of synthetic opioids and ultimately save lives.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://science.house.gov/press-releases?ID=70945C52-1017-4FF1-A5B7-361814636790
