October 25, 2017 

“A bipartisan measure that would strengthen the ability of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to scope out attempts to smuggle opioids into the United States overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House on Tuesday.

The chamber voted, 412-3, to approve the legislation, which would greenlight $9 million to make sure the CBP has new screening devices, laboratory equipment, facilities and personnel needed to detect and intercept fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The bill was introduced by Democratic Rep. Niki Tsongas of Massachusetts and GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, a leader of the House Bipartisan Heroin Task Force. The measure was co-sponsored by Rep. Annie Kuster. The Democrat in New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District is a co-founder and Democratic chairwoman of the task force.”

Paul Steinhauser / The Concord Monitor