Central Georgia News

Washington, D.C.—Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) has achieved a significant milestone in his political career as his legislation, the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, has been signed into law by the President of the United States. H.R. 1734, the TRANQ Research Act, marks the first bill authored by the freshman congressman to become law.

The TRANQ Research Act, which was reported out of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee on March 29 by a unanimous vote of 36-0, aims to provide additional resources to law enforcement personnel in their fight against synthetic opioids. The bill passed the House on May 11 with a vote of 425-0, and later passed the Senate with a minor amendment on June 22. The final version of the legislation passed the House again on December 4 and was signed into law on December 19.

"I am immensely proud to have the TRANQ Research Act be my first bill in Congress signed into law," said Rep. Collins. "Our law enforcement personnel require additional resources to better combat the flood of synthetic opioids devastating American communities across the country, and this bill accomplishes just that."

The TRANQ Research Act addresses the challenges posed by novel opioids such as tranq, also known as the "Zombie Drug." This dangerous fentanyl analog contains xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, and has been causing havoc across the country. Tranq has gruesome side effects, including large wounds that do not heal and are resistant to standard opioid overdose treatments. Its use has contributed to a rising number of drug overdoses.

To combat this crisis, the TRANQ Research Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to deepen its partnerships and focus on the science needed to detect, identify, and better understand synthetic opioids. This research and development will help law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and first responders in their efforts to slow the spread of these deadly drugs.

Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) commended Rep. Collins for his forward-thinking work on this legislation. "The Tranq Research Act authorizes critical research and development to help us better understand, detect, and handle these drugs," said Chairman Lucas. "This is an issue that affects every area of our country, so it's appropriate that it is the first bill authored by a freshman member of this Congress signed into law."

The signing of the TRANQ Research Act into law not only addresses the urgent need for resources to combat synthetic opioids but also establishes Rep. Mike Collins as the first freshman of the 118th Congress to have a bill become law. This achievement highlights his dedication to serving his constituents and his commitment to making a positive impact on American communities.

The TRANQ Research Act is a significant step forward in the fight against synthetic opioids, providing law enforcement and healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to tackle the devastating impact of these drugs. With this new law in place, there is hope for a reduction in the loss of lives caused by the opioid epidemic plaguing the nation.

To learn more, click on this link: https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases/collins-tranq-act-gets-signed-law-president