What They Are Saying: McDowell Builds Growing Coalition for the PRESS Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Since introducing the PRESS Act, H.R. 7184, on January 21, Congressman Addison McDowell has continued to build strong momentum in the House of Representatives and among leading law enforcement organizations. The bipartisan bill now has 22 cosponsors and endorsements from the National Fraternal Order of Police, the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police, and FDD Action.
What Members of Congress Are Saying
Rep. Craig Goldman (TX-12):
“In Texas, I was proud to sponsor legislation to severely punish individuals who obtain and distribute fentanyl. We must expand this effort nationwide. I’m grateful for Rep. McDowell’s leadership in combating the spread of fentanyl, and I proudly support his PRESS Act. This smart legislation will equip law enforcement and prosecutors with the tools they need to better protect Americans. Sadly, fentanyl overdoses and poisonings are the number one killer of our 18–45-year-olds in our country,” said Congressman Craig Goldman.
Rep. August Pfluger (TX-11):
"The fentanyl crisis in America has been fueled by the Biden administration's reckless border policies and sophisticated criminal networks that mass-produce this deadly drug and smuggle it into our communities. The PRESS Act goes after the source of that destruction by targeting the pill press machines and chemical components that drug cartels depend on to manufacture these illegal drugs. This legislation will close dangerous loopholes in federal laws, strengthen penalties for traffickers, and expand our ability to hold foreign bad actors accountable for the harm they inflict on American families. I am proud to support this bill, and I thank my friend Congressman McDowell for sponsoring it to help stop the flow of fentanyl at the source," said Congressman August Pluger.
Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14):
“Foreign bad actors are importing pill press machines and the chemicals needed to manufacture fake fentanyl pills right here in the United States. These machines can churn out thousands of deadly pills every hour that are murdering Americans at incomprehensible rates. The PRESS Act gives federal prosecutors the authority to go after anyone who brings this equipment into our country and put real time behind bars for it. If you are helping produce drugs that kill Americans, you will be held accountable. End of story,” said Congressman Randy Weber.
Rep. Brandon Gill (TX-26):
"Illicit drugs smuggled over our southern border have claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Any foreign bad actor who aids and abets the production of fentanyl must be punished to the fullest extent of the law. I am proud to cosponsor Rep. McDowell’s legislation that puts serious penalties on this grave crime,” said Congressman Brandon Gill.
What Law Enforcement Leaders Are Saying
National Fraternal Order of Police :
Read the National FOP letter here
"I’m writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to advise you of our support for H.R. 7184, the “Preventing Rogue Equipment for synthetic substances (PRESS) Act.” National Fraternal Order of Police President, Patrick Yoes continued. “On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of police, thank you for your leadership on this important issue.”
North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police:
Read the North Carolina FOP letter here
"This legislation [H.R. 7184] addresses a serious vulnerability in our current enforcement framework: the unchecked importation of pill press machines and unlisted precursor chemicals used to mass produce counterfeit narcotics with the United States. Table-top pill presses capable of producing thousands of pills per hour have allowed cartels and transnational criminal organizations to shift from smuggling finished pills to manufacturing them domestically, increasing both the availability and lethality of these substances in our communities,” North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police President Chet Effler continued. “On behalf of our members across the State of North Carolina, we thank you for your leadership on this important issue.”
What National Security Advocates Are Saying
Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) Action:
“Stopping the flow of fentanyl and other illicit narcotics into American communities requires addressing all aspects of the supply chain. The PRESS Act helps fill a crucial gap by targeting the equipment used by drug traffickers to produce pills and tablets. FDD Action is proud to support this legislation,” said Connor Pfeiffer, Senior Director of Government Relations, FDD Action.
The PRESS Act has strong bipartisan support with 22 cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives, including:
Rep. Stephanie Bice (R-OK-5), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14), Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA-3), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24), Rep Ruby Yakym (R-IN-2), Rep Craig Goldman (R-TX-12), Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-NC-10), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11), Rep Marlin Stutzman (R-IN-3), Rep Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Rep. Robert Bresnahan (R-PA-8), Rep. Jake Ellzey (R-TX-6), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL-13), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX-5), Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28), Rep. Keith Self (R-TX-3), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX-24), Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX-17), Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX-26), Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX-11), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA-3)