WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Chair of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security, on Thursday announced that he secured $824 million in new funding to stem the flow of fentanyl into the United States, nearly all of the $1 billion he originally proposed in May. This additional funding will be used to improve detection and seizure of fentanyl at ports of entry, dismantle smuggling networks and prevent profits from reaching transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) by building outbound capabilities to seize currency and firearms heading to Mexico, and fight fentanyl smuggling routes abroad.

“No community has been spared by the death and devastation of the fentanyl crisis. That’s why back in May, I proposed a billion dollar investment to supercharge the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to disrupt the flow of fentanyl into the United States and dismantle the criminal networks profiting off this crisis. After months of working with Ranking Member Britt, Chair Murray, and Vice Chair Collins, I am proud we secured nearly all of that funding in this year’s Homeland Security bill and DHS will have the resources they need to fight back against the fentanyl crisis and keep Americans safe,” said Murphy.

These investments will:

  • Protect American families through improved detection and seizure of fentanyl at ports of entry and international mail facilities to prevent entry into the U.S. by providing:
    • $75 million for 500 additional CBP officers and new canine units, projected to increase fentanyl seizures by 15% or an additional 6,600 lbs of fentanyl
    • $200 million for additional non-intrusive inspection equipment
    • $24.3 million to expand lab capacity and create new labs at 8 ports of entry
    • $8 million to build out the Joint Fentanyl Signature Lab with DEA and FDA in El Paso
    • Funding to increase the percentage of incoming passenger vehicles scanned from 40% to 65% by 2026
  • Dismantle smuggling networks operated by TCOs by increasing the investigative footprint of Homeland Security Investigations (HSIs) and supporting and expanding cost effective approaches with proven records of success by providing:
    • $24 million to support expansions of key HSI Task Forces, such as the Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST) in San Diego, to target fentanyl collaboratively with state, federal, and local partners
    • $10 million to support 50 additional HSI agents and support staff for investigations at and near the border
    • And ensuring that HSI has the appropriate statutory authority to prioritize narcotics-related investigations at the border
  • Build outbound capabilities to seize currency and firearms heading to Mexico by providing:
    • $77.5 million for nonintrusive inspection equipment and outbound manifest technology
    • $30 million for additional 200 CBP officers
  • Fight fentanyl abroad by dismantling, disrupting, and seizing fentanyl and the TCOs trafficking fentanyl and other illicit substances before it reaches the U.S. by providing:
    • $26 million to add approximately 10 additional Transnational Criminal Investigative Units (TCIUs), enhancing both the United States’ and the host countries’ ability to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in transnational criminal conduct
    • $10 million for HSI to expand to nine additional locations abroad, including targeting geographical areas where precursors originate

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