Central Georgia News

Washington, D.C.—Legislation authored by Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) has been signed by Speaker Mike Johnson and is now at the White House awaiting the President's signature. The bill, known as the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, was the first bill introduced by Congressman Collins and it has successfully passed both the House and Senate.

H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, aims to provide law enforcement and Border Patrol with the necessary resources to combat the flow of deadly substances such as fentanyl across the southern border. The legislation directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to focus on the science needed to detect, identify, and better understand synthetic opioids, particularly those containing xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer.

In an official statement, Rep. Collins expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the bill, stating, "The TRANQ Research Act will give our local law enforcement and Border Patrol the resources needed to stem the flow of deadly substances like fentanyl pouring across the southern border into our communities. I look forward to seeing this critical piece of legislation signed into law."

If signed by the President, Rep. Collins will become the first freshman of the 118th Congress to have a bill become law. This achievement highlights his dedication and effectiveness as a legislator.

The use of fentanyl, particularly in the form of Tranq or the "Zombie Drug," has been a growing concern across the country. This dangerous drug has gruesome side effects, including wounds that do not heal and resistance to standard opioid overdose treatments. It has contributed to the alarming rise in drug overdoses nationwide.

The TRANQ Research Act addresses this urgent issue by providing the necessary tools and research to combat the synthetic opioid crisis. By partnering with NIST and focusing on identifying and understanding these dangerous substances, law enforcement will be better equipped to protect communities and save lives.

The successful passage of H.R. 1734 reflects the bipartisan support and recognition of the importance of addressing the synthetic opioid crisis. Speaker Mike Johnson, in signing the bill and sending it to the White House, demonstrates the commitment of Congress to tackle this pressing issue.

In conclusion, the TRANQ Research Act, authored by Representative Mike Collins, has been signed by Speaker Mike Johnson and is now awaiting the President's signature. This legislation will provide crucial resources to law enforcement and Border Patrol in their efforts to combat the flow of deadly substances like fentanyl. The bill reflects the dedication and effectiveness of Rep. Collins as a legislator and addresses the urgent need to understand and combat synthetic opioids. Its successful passage highlights the bipartisan commitment of Congress to address the synthetic opioid crisis and protect communities across the nation.

To find out more, go to this link: https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-tranq-act-gets-signed-speaker-johnson-and-sent-white-house