Today, U.S. Representatives Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, and Tom Kean (R-N.J.) re-introduced the American Cooperation with Our Neighbors Act which will direct the State Department to create a strategy for cooperation between the United States and Mexico to stop fentanyl trafficking by increasing cooperation between law enforcement, local governments, and non-governmental organizations.
“Fentanyl is killing people in every corner of this country. We need real solutions, not excuses and certainly not political games,” said Rep. Stanton. “This crisis won’t be solved by picking fights with Mexico. It takes smart, tough cooperation to stop fentanyl at the source and keep it from reaching our streets. That’s what this bill does, and I’m proud to lead it.”
“The fentanyl crisis reaches far beyond our local communities. It’s tearing families apart and reaching every corner of this country,” said Rep. Kean. “I am pleased to be working with Rep. Stanton on this essential, bipartisan legislation to build stronger cooperation with the Mexican government and law enforcement, because ending the flow of deadly fentanyl will take partnership, not finger-pointing.”
Stanton’s legislation would require the Secretary of State and Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development to submit a strategy to Congress to:
- Strengthen law enforcement cooperation to stop fentanyl trafficking and other synthetic opioids. This includes:
- Providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies.
- Carrying out exchange programs for professional development. Enhancing data sharing, as appropriate.
- Bolster dialogue at the subnational level between local governments, civil society, faith-based groups, and business leaders to integrate community-level issues related to fentanyl trafficking.
- Strengthen capacity building and provide resources for U.S. and Mexican border towns and organizations trying to meet local needs.
- Orders a feasibility study on using satellites or other space-based technologies to:
- Provide broadband in remote areas without network service.
- Deliver mobile and internet services without untrusted telecommunications equipment.
- Offer uncensored internet access in countries where governments block information.
- Requires a State Department review (with Treasury) to assess how to expand access to finance in Caribbean countries.
- Consider changes to sanctions enforcement, narcotics trafficking reporting requirements, and possible embassy expansions.
Full text of the bill is HERE. A one-pager can be found HERE.