Problem Solvers Endorse Legislation to Halt Mail Transmission of Fentanyl Into Federal Prisons
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act, legislation that will address the high rates of transmission of fentanyl and other contraband into federal prisons through the mail service.
In the last two decades, federal prisons have seen a 600% increase in inmate deaths caused by drug overdoses alongside a rise in the presence of contraband, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act seeks to eliminate the flow of contraband into prisons through the mail by establishing digital mail scanning measures in all federal prisons.
The provisions outlined in the legislation will enhance the safety of mail carriers, prison staff, and inmates by eliminating exposure to fentanyl and other dangerous materials sent through the mail. It will also ensure timely mail delivery by providing digital copies of physical mail to inmates within 24 hours of receipt and reduce the prevalence of dangerous contraband in prisons by enhancing existing screening processes.
The bipartisan legislation was introduced by Representative Don Bacon (NE-02) and has 107 cosponsors, 32 of whom are Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus. The bill was brought forward for Caucus endorsement by Representatives Bacon and Henry Cuellar (TX-28).
“Our nation is facing an unprecedented opioid crisis, as narcotics such as fentanyl are being aggressively introduced into our prison systems through inmate postal and legal mail,” said Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02). “Digital mail scanning will stop this flow, while allowing our inmates to communicate with their friends and families, which is important to stopping recidivism.”
“The fentanyl epidemic has touched every community in America, including our federal prisons,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). “I helped introduce the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act to protect our prison employees and inmates from the risks of these dangerous narcotics. Modernizing the inmate mail system with digital mail screening is a common-sense solution that will save lives across the country.”
“Illicit drugs have no business being found in our prison system,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Congressman Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “I’m proud this bipartisan legislation requiring the Bureau of Prisons to fully transition to digital mail scanning has been endorsed by our caucus. This will prevent fentanyl from entering prison facilities and preserve paper mail for families to stay in touch during incarceration.”
“Across Jersey and our nation, the fentanyl epidemic is tearing families and communities apart. We must do everything we can to prevent fentanyl from entering our prisons via mail and poisoning inmates, officers, and staff,” 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 Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act, a commonsense bill that will save lives.”
“Inmate overdoses have risen 600% in recent years as fentanyl traffickers have evaded prison guards and mailed their poison directly to inmates. That’s why I co-sponsored the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act, which aims to eliminate 100% of mailed contraband, including deadly fentanyl, by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to develop a plan to fully transition to digital mail scanning,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17). “I am pleased that this legislation has received the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus – a testament to its broad bipartisan support. H.R. 5266 will stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our prisons and aid the goal of inmate recidivism. I look forward to seeing this bill advance in the House and ultimately become law.”
“Modernizing the mail system at federal prisons will help combat the flow of drugs and contraband while protecting the safety of staff,” said Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01). “I’m pleased to have introduced this bipartisan bill with my colleagues, and I will continue to support efforts that will combat drug trafficking and save lives.”
“Fentanyl is entering federal prisons hidden in mail, endangering mail carriers, prison staff and inmates. The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act is designed to stop all contraband, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids, from entering federal prisons by requiring the Bureau of Prisons to develop a plan for inmates to receive a digital copy of mail before they receive the original copy that is clear of synthetic drugs or other contraband,” said Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11). “At a time when prison staff are already shorthanded, this bill would provide safer working conditions while recognizing the benefits of maintaining tangible connections for inmates through receiving physical mail.”
“According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Mexican drug cartels have established smuggling corridors and large network “hubs” in cities across the U.S., making it easier for them to peddle fentanyl into our jails that have recently seen a 600% increase in inmate overdoses,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11). “This bipartisan legislation will fully eliminate hidden contraband and illicit drugs from entering our federal prison facilities through inmate postal mail, protecting both Corrections Officers and inmates from accidental exposure and substance abuse.”
“Nevadans have witnessed the devastating impact of fentanyl firsthand,” said Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04). “The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act will modernize mail security in federal prisons, which will help eliminate fentanyl contraband to enhance safety for both inmates and staff. I’m ready to join my colleagues to pass bipartisan solutions to protect our communities and tackle this crisis.”
“Eradicating illicit fentanyl from society must remain a central concern for federal authorities, and it is vital the government takes all necessary steps to prevent this dangerous narcotic from being smuggled into secure facilities like prisons,” said Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04). “I am proud to co-sponsor the bipartisan bill H.R. 5266 in order to facilitate enhanced technological safeguards against bad actors attempting to smuggle fentanyl into federal prisons and ensure the Bureau of Prisons is further empowered to combat the distribution of this illegal drug.”
"We must tackle the fentanyl crisis whenever and wherever it exists,” said Congressman Don Davis (NC-01). “To cut down on the flow of fentanyl in federal prisons, Congress must pass common-sense legislation making it easier for postal inspectors and law enforcement to enforce drug trafficking laws.”
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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.
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