Cortez Masto Pushes Amendment to Must-Pass FAA Reauthorization to Pass Her Combating Illicit Xylazine Act

Washington, D.C. - This week, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) filed her Combating Illicit Xylazine Actas an amendment to the must-pass Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. This bill, which would list xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug's licit use by veterinarians, is supported by over 115 bipartisan members of Congress.

"Xylazine is a threat to Nevadans across the state and we need to get this dangerous drug off our streets," said Senator Cortez Masto. "Passing this bill as soon as possible will save lives, which is why I'm pushing for its inclusion in this package."

Xylazine, also known as "tranq," is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. Cortez Masto's bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. The bill is endorsed by 39 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.

Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on illicit drugs since she was first elected Attorney General, when she worked with Nevada's Republican governor,law enforcement, and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. In the Senate, she has authored legislation to combat drug trafficking online that was signed into law, and passed critical legislation to address the opioid epidemic.

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