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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman August Pfluger's (TX-11) bipartisan, bicameral legislation to combat illicit xylazine advanced unanimously out of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would crack down on the deadly fentanyl additive xylazine by listing it as a Schedule III controlled substance while protecting the drug's legal use by veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.

Xylazine, also known as “tranq,” is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. The bipartisan legislation would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. The bill is endorsed by 41 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations, and veterinary organizations.

"The xylazine crisis is only getting worse, and communities across America are paying the price," said Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11). "That's why I am proud to see the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act advance through the House Committee on Energy and Commerce today. Xylazine was never meant for human use, yet traffickers are increasingly mixing it into street drugs to make them more potent and more deadly. This bill takes direct aim at traffickers exploiting this drug for illicit purposes, while preserving its legal use by veterinarians and agricultural producers. I will continue working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle until this critical legislation is signed into law."

Congressman Pfluger introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05), and Deborah Ross (NC-02), as well as Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act previously passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“Illicit xylazine is worsening the deadly fentanyl crisis and tearing through communities across our country,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta (CA-19). “The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act will help us fight back and keep our communities safe by giving law enforcement the tools needed to crack down on traffickers while ensuring that veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can continue to use the drug safely and responsibly. The overwhelming passage of this bill in the House Energy and Commerce Committee demonstrates the bipartisan consensus around stopping the illicit spread of this dangerous drug. I look forward to working with both my Democratic and Republican colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and save lives.”

“Our goal is to save lives and ensure law enforcement has the tools they need to hold accountable those who are illegally manufacturing and distributing these deadly substances that are devastating communities across the country,” said Rep. Gus Bilirakis (FL-12). “I’m proud that this bipartisan legislation has advanced out of the Energy and Commerce Committee, bringing us one step closer to addressing this growing threat. At the same time, we must ensure veterinarians who rely on xylazine for legitimate medical purposes can continue to access and use it appropriately. Our legislation strikes the right balance by protecting public health while preserving critical veterinary care.”

“This legislation would help law enforcement crack down on illegal drug traffickers by tracking the manufacture of xylazine, a legal animal tranquilizer, which is being mixed with fentanyl, heroin, and other deadly drugs. It’s now passed out of committee and should be swiftly brought to the floor for a vote,” said Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01). “As we work to combat the ongoing addiction epidemic, we must ensure our law enforcement has the resources they need to stop drug trafficking.”

“Xylazine, a powerful animal sedative, is increasingly being cut into illicit drugs like fentanyl, boosting the profits of criminal cartels and drug traffickers while fueling the overdose crisis in the United States,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05). “I’m pleased the House Committee on Energy and Commerce advanced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. This bill will enhance law enforcement’s ability to track xylazine distribution and impose criminal penalties on those who misuse it, while ensuring its availability for necessary veterinary use. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to its passage by the full House.”

“The AVMA is deeply appreciative of the House Energy and Commerce Committee advancing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act,” said Dr. Jennifer Quammen, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Xylazine is an essential medication used by veterinarians to safely and effectively care for a wide range of animal patients. This legislation will help address the public health challenges associated with illicit xylazine while preserving veterinarians’ access to this important medication for legitimate veterinary use. We are grateful for the congressional leadership on this issue from Chairman Brett Guthrie, Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Rep. August Pfluger, and Rep. Jimmy Panetta and urge Congress to swiftly pass the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act.”

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

·     Schedule xylazine as a 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.

Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine.