Brown Continues Fight to Crack Down on Fentanyl by Restricting Access to Common Cutting Agent

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined a bipartisan group of colleagues in calling for passage of the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. Xylazine, also known as "tranq," is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl.

The legislation would schedule this chemical and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, cattlemen, 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.

"As drug traffickers come up with new, deadly tactics, like combining fentanyl with xylazine, we must work to keep our communities safe," said Brown. "It's why we introduced this bipartisan bill to crack down on xylazine use, restrict access to it, and give law enforcement the tools they need to fight it."

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Actwould:

• Schedule xylazine as Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act;
• Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of "ultimate user" - someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
• Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and
• Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.

Brown has long fought to keep fentanyl out of Ohio communities. Last week, at the State of the Union, Brown hosted Wood County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn as his guest. Sheriff Wasylyshyn is on the frontlines of the fight against fentanyl and is working with Brown to ensure that law enforcement have the tools and support they need to keep communities safe and address the fentanyl crisis devastating Ohio communities.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Brown has worked with Ohio law enforcement to advance his bipartisan FEND Off Fentanyl Actwhich passed the Senate in the annual defense bill this summer. The legislation imposes new sanctions and anti-money laundering penalties targeting the illicit fentanyl supply chain, from the chemical suppliers in China to the cartels that transport the drugs in from Mexico.

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