Rep. Miller, Colleagues Introduce the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Randy Weber (R -TX) in introducing the Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act. This bill will aim to eliminate contraband, including fentanyl and other synthetic opioids from being smuggled into Federal prison facilities through inmate postal and legal mail.
“The fentanyl and opioid crises in America have devastated our communities and will continue to until we combat the flow of drugs throughout the United States,” said Congresswoman Miller. “The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act will prevent fentanyl from being smuggled through postal mail into federal prisons and implement better living and working conditions at these facilities. The safety of our inmates, officers, and staff is of the utmost importance as we take crucial steps to stop the drug crisis in America.”
“We must keep fentanyl out of the hands of inmates,” said Congressman Bacon. “Digitizing mail has been shown to be an effective method for keeping this deadly drug away from inmates and protecting employees who are tasked with processing the mail. Neglecting this simple solution diverts resources and threatens health and safety at our prisons.”
Click here for bill text.
Background:
- The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act will demonstrate Congress’ support for safer working conditions for up to 38,000 correction officers and staff and avoid unnecessary exposure to drug substances in inmate postal mail.
- This bill will fund a program that will implement digital mail scanning systems in U.S. prisons.
- In 2020, the first MailGuard program was successfully tested at the Federal Correctional Institution in Beckley, West Virginia.
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