Press Releases
Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez Introduce Bill to Expand Funding for Local Drug Task Forces to Combat Opioid Epidemic
Washington, D.C.,
October 1, 2024
Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Rick Larsen (WA-02) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) introduced the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to establish a dedicated federal funding stream to help multi-jurisdictional drug task forces combat opioid trafficking in Washington state and across the country. “The opioid epidemic has devastated Northwest Washington,” said Larsen, who released a district opioid report in January. “Members of local, state and Tribal law enforcement have told me they often lack the funding and resources to stem the flow of opioids and fentanyl that harm the communities they serve. This bill invests in and empowers multi-jurisdictional task forces to get more opioids and fentanyl off our streets – a critical investment that will protect Northwest Washington communities and save lives.” “We have to end the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities before it takes more of our loved ones and neighbors from us, and we need all of the law enforcement talent possible at the table,” said Gluesenkamp Perez. “I’m introducing this legislation to dedicate federal funds to multi-jurisdictional task forces and expand partnerships and training – because when law enforcement agencies can coordinate regionally, they can more effectively fight fentanyl trafficking.” What Are Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Forces? In Washington state and around the country, law enforcement agencies partner across jurisdictions to form task forces that coordinate information, resources and staff to target the illegal distribution of drugs at the local and regional levels. Washington state currently has 16 active multi-jurisdictional task forces (MJTFs). For example, the Whatcom County Drug Task Force is staffed by investigative personnel from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Bellingham Police Department, with support from local police departments in Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden and Sumas; the U.S. Border Patrol; the Washington State Patrol; and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG) program is the leading source of federal justice funding for states, tribes and local governments supporting a range of criminal legal system improvement and community advancement initiatives, including MJTFs. In August 2023, Larsen, Gluesenkamp Perez and five other members of Washington’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Governor Jay Inslee to emphasize the importance of Byrne JAG funding to continuing the important work of Washington’s 16 MJTFs. Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez both support increasing funding for Byrne JAG. What Does the Bill Do? The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would:
For a fact sheet on the bill, click here. What Stakeholders Are Saying About the Bill Representatives from MJTFs and stakeholder organizations emphasized the importance of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act to combating the opioid epidemic. National National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC) President Eric Brown: “The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition commends Representatives Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez for their work and introduction of the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act. Greater investment in resources for drug enforcement efforts – particularly multi-jurisdictional drug task forces – is needed to counter the alarming trend of drug poisoning. Multi-jurisdictional drug task forces have generated best practices in information sharing, case deconfliction, and institutional coordination against local and regional drug threats. Given the diversification of Byrne JAG funding for purposes other than multi-jurisdictional drug task forces in some states, this legislation will provide much needed dedicated funding to address the drug poisoning epidemics in our communities.” Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) Executive Director Megan Noland: “The Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA) applauds Representatives Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez for their efforts to combat the fentanyl epidemic and for advocating for essential resources to support our mission of protecting communities across the nation. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would provide law enforcement with critical tools to target drug traffickers and prevent fentanyl from entering our communities. We appreciate that the bill would provide dedicated resources to support local multi-jurisdictional drug task forces.” Local Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association (WSNIA) President Chris Foreman: “Drug trafficking has brought tremendous harm to Washingtonians. As such, the Washington State Narcotics Investigators Association enthusiastically endorses Representatives Larsen and Gluesenkamp Perez's efforts to strengthen partnerships and cooperation between federal and local agencies to save lives and prevent more devastation by addressing opioid trafficking in Washington State. His proposals in Congress represent the balance needed to positively impact lives and livelihoods of those in our state devastated by illicit drug trafficking. “We urge Congress to pass the End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act immediately to provide crucial resources to our communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. Failure to do so will cost more lives and devastation caused by overdoses and opioid use disorder, and street crimes in our neighborhoods.” Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) Executive Board: “The Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force Executive Board supports and values Congressman Larsen’s effort to combat illicit drugs like fentanyl through the ‘End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act.’ Fentanyl and its many analogs pose a substantial threat to the citizens of Snohomish County, both directly and indirectly, due to their broad harmful effects. Substance use and opioid use disorders devastate families, businesses, and communities. Congressman Larsen’s balanced approach to addressing this public health dilemma is commendable.” Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit (SCIDEU) Commander Tobin Meyer: “The Skagit County Interlocal Drug Task Force is one of many multi-jurisdictional drug task forces (MJTF’s) comprised of local, state, and federal law enforcement. MJTF’s bring multiple law enforcement agencies and disciplines together to disrupt and dismantle well-funded drug trafficking organizations efficiently and effectively. Frequently, our task force will work together with other MJTF’s across regions in our state and even across state lines with other MJTF’s in our nation to disrupt drug trafficking organizations. Rural multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, like ours, have limited local dollars and resources. We rely heavily on Federal funding to remain effective against well-funded drug trafficking organizations and cartels impacting our communities. Recent challenges with MJTF funding in Washington State have introduced a level of uncertainty for the future of many of our MJTF’s. As such, this legislation comes at a crucial time in allowing us not only to preserve existing services but enhance our capabilities. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Force Act will allow us to remain effective against well-funded drug trafficking organizations who continue to poison and kill our community members.” Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force Executive Board Member and Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley: “The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional unit of the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office that is dedicated to preventing drug-related crimes, drug-related overdoses, and deaths—and improving community safety. Our joint efforts with local, state, and federal agencies have successfully disrupted many fentanyl trafficking operations. This achievement underscores our unwavering continued commitment to tackling the opioid crisis and ensuring the safety of our communities, which is why this legislation is tremendously important.” Island County Sheriff Rick Felici: “The pandemic flood of illicit opioid drugs into American culture is one of the most devastating things to happen to this country in history and it is happening in a time when law enforcement staffing and resources are at an all time low. Organizations that market these drugs run a complex and sophisticated sales and distribution network. Our law enforcement agencies desperately need the tools to intervene in an effective manner. The most effective solution is a regional collaboration of resources and local narcotics enforcement task forces are struggling to keep up. This bill will help fund desperately needed resources to enable local law enforcement professionals to effectively hold mid-level and higher narcotics organizations accountable.” Tulalip Tribes Chairwoman Teri Gobin: “The drug trafficking distribution network has expanded throughout Washington State and into our tribal communities, crossing jurisdictional boundaries and exploiting law enforcement resources and jurisdictional gaps. The Tulalip Indian Reservation is located adjacent to Interstate-5, a major thoroughfare for fentanyl and other illicit drugs. The Tulalip Police Department needs improvements to technology and sufficient resources to create a multi-jurisdictional approach to combat the opioid crisis that has had devastating effects on tribal members, their families, and many Washingtonians. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Force Act will do just this. We urge Congress to pass this important piece of legislation.” Lummi Indian Business Council Chairman Anthony Hillaire: “On behalf of the Lummi Nation, a sovereign government recognized under the Constitution of the United States and a signatory of the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855, I write to formally endorse a proposed Bill drafted for the 118" Congress 2D session in the House of Representatives, known as the ‘End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act’. “We recognize the Bill aims to establish essential grants to combat opioid trafficking. This legislation would establish a dedicated federal funding stream for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces (MJTFs) to address opioid trafficking in Washington State and across the country. This legislation is urgently needed. MJTFs represent partnerships across local law enforcement agencies to share staff, information, and resources, and collaborative work plays a pivotal role in fighting the opioid epidemic. While individual law enforcement agencies have been essential to address the flow of opioids, their reach is limited by local resources and jurisdictional boundaries. We concur, opioid distribution is not isolated to any single area, district, or police agency. Traffickers do exploit this decentralization in law enforcement by straddling jurisdictional boundaries, including those between Tribal and non-Tribal law enforcement agencies, which complicates investigations into drug trades and further stretches limited police resources. The End Fentanyl Trafficking with Local Task Forces Act would help fill these gaps and enable law enforcement agencies to better coordinate their efforts across jurisdictional boundaries to combat trafficking.” Other supporters of the bill include:
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