The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act by a vote of 19-3 on Mar. 26, along with additional legislation and two nominations for United States Marshal positions.
The committee's actions address concerns about public safety and drug abuse, as xylazine—a veterinary tranquilizer—has been increasingly found in illicit narcotics. The bill seeks to classify xylazine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act while maintaining its legal use for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.
"Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard the tragic stories of American families who’ve been devastated by xylazine. This week, the committee took decisive action to advance bipartisan legislation that would crack down on xylazine traffickers, equip law enforcement with new tools to combat its spread and protect the drug’s legitimate use by veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen," Chairman Chuck Grassley said. "I’m proud of our committee’s longstanding and bipartisan efforts to protect Americans from the scourge of illegal drugs and am grateful for Senator Cortez Masto’s partnership on this bill. I’ll continue working to ensure this lifesaving legislation is signed into law."
The bipartisan measure has received support from more than ninety organizations across national, state, and local levels in law enforcement and veterinary fields. It is also backed by hundreds of families affected by xylazine-related tragedies as well as several federal agencies under both recent presidential administrations.
In addition to advancing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, the committee approved by voice vote both the Count the Crimes to Cut Act—led by Senators Mike Lee and Chris Coons—and Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act of 2025—led by Senators John Cornyn and Alex Padilla. Nominations for Brian Gootkin (District of Montana) passed with a vote of 12-10; James Stuart (District of Minnesota) was approved with a vote of 20-2.
As a standing committee based in Washington D.C., the Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role in shaping federal law through legislative review, oversight duties affecting constitutional protections nationwide, evaluation of judicial nominations, civil rights issues, public safety matters, and leadership drawn from both major political parties.
