Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bill to Halt Flow of Fentanyl-Laced Fake Pills in U.S. Pharmaceutical Supply Chain
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals (MAP) Act of 2023, legislation that will address our nation’s fentanyl epidemic and reduce the flow of counterfeit drugs into pharmaceutical supply chains by requiring on-dose identifiers on controlled substances.
Our nation is facing a devastating opioid epidemic, driven in part by dangerous counterfeit products that infiltrate consumer markets. In 2023 alone, the Drug Enforcement Administration seized more than 80 million fake pills laced with fentanyl. In the same year, more than 107,000 Americans died from drug overdoses.
The MAP Act of 2023 requires on-dose identifiers to ensure the authenticity of essential medicines and enhance the security of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. The low-cost upfront interventions in the pharmaceutical supply chain will result in long-term revenue increases following a decline in the distribution of counterfeit drugs at no cost to the American taxpayer.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representatives Don Davis (NC-01), John Rutherford (FL-05), and Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) and has seven additional cosponsors, five of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Davis and Don Bacon (NE-02).
“We must take immediate steps to stop the flow of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs coming into eastern North Carolina,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). “Too many of our kids are overdosing on opioids, and too many of our most vulnerable seniors are consuming counterfeit medications. Congress must take on the drug cartels and tackle the opioid crisis head on."
“Fentanyl-related deaths were on the rise in 2023 in Nebraska, and victims included a four-year-old boy and a 17-year-old high schooler,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “Both took what appeared to be Percocet, but it was, in fact, laced with fentanyl. This legislation will help stop the flow of fake pills coming into the market and safeguard our families.”
“Across Jersey and our nation, the fentanyl epidemic is tearing families and communities apart. While there isn’t a magic bullet to stop addiction and abuse, this legislation is an important tool to combat the growing tragedies taking place across our nation,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad that the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse the Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals (MAP) Act, which will reduce the volume of counterfeit drugs entering the supply chain.”
"I’m grateful the Problem Solvers Caucus has endorsed the bipartisan Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals Act of 2023 and urge my colleagues to support the vital fight against the opioid epidemic," said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). "This bill marks a step forward in preventing fentanyl-laced drugs and ensuring the authenticity of essential medications in our pharmaceutical supply chain."
"We have an opioid crisis in this country and have seen the impacts of fentanyl in the San Joaquin Valley. We need to take steps to reduce counterfeit drugs from entering the marketplace. This legislation will protect vulnerable teenagers and seniors who are the most affected by these dangerous fake drugs,” said Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21).
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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The Problem Solvers Caucus, which is Co-Chaired by Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) and Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), has sixty-two Members evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.