This is a Senate resolution that officially recognizes April 29, 2026, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. The resolution doesn't create new laws or regulations—instead, it's a statement of support from the Senate to raise awareness about the serious dangers of fake and counterfeit fentanyl pills. The resolution highlights a major public health crisis: drug traffickers are mass-producing fake pills that look like legitimate prescription medications (painkillers, stimulants, anxiety meds) but actually contain deadly amounts of fentanyl. The problem is widespread—law enforcement seized over 47 million counterfeit fentanyl pills in 2025 alone, and these fake pills are available in all 50 states, often sold through social media and online platforms where young people can easily access them. The data is alarming: nearly 70,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in the 12-month period ending October 2025, with over 37,000 involving illicit fentanyl. Young people are particularly vulnerable—overdose deaths for teens and young adults ages 14-18 jumped 128% between 2019 and 2021, and fentanyl is now involved in more youth deaths than all other drugs combined. The resolution calls on law enforcement to continue fighting this crisis and encourages the use of existing tools to stop the spread of counterfeit pills, while emphasizing the need for better public education since many teens and young adults still don't realize fentanyl is being used in fake pills.

Grassley, Chuck

A resolution supporting the mission and goals of National Fentanyl Awareness Day in 2026, including increasing individual and public awareness of the impact of fake or counterfeit fentanyl pills on families and young people.