WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is calling on the Senate to pass legislation to crack down on and schedule xylazine, a dangerous drug causing overdoses nationwide.  

Also known as “tranq,” Xylazine is an easily accessible veterinary tranquilizer that is being used as a low-cost cutting agent for fentanyl. Since it is not an opioid, its effects cannot be reversed by naloxone. The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has designated fentanyl combined with xylazine as an “emerging threat.” 

Boozman is championing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, bipartisan legislation that would schedule this dangerous drug and give law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers, while protecting access for veterinarians, farmers, cattlemen and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals. The bill is led by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH). It is endorsed by 39 state attorneys general, major law enforcement organizations and veterinary organizations.

“Xylazine is a growing problem in Arkansas. We must take steps to prevent traffickers from mixing it with other deadly drugs and provide law enforcement with the tools to respond to this crisis and protect our communities,” Boozman said. “It’s important the Senate act quickly to pass this legislation, so we can remove this threat from our streets and save lives.”

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

• Schedule xylazine as Schedule III illicit substance under the Controlled Substances Act; 
• Ensure veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers can still use the drug for its intended purpose by creating a clear definition of “ultimate user” – someone lawfully permitted to possess a controlled substance for legitimate use;
• Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market; and 
• Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations regarding xylazine. 

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act is cosponsored by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jim Risch (R-ID), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), John Thune (R-SD), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rick Scott (R-FL), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bob Casey (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA). 

This legislation has been endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, North American Meat Institute, Animal Health Institute, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Major Cities Chiefs Association. 

“The AVMA strongly endorses the updated Combating Illicit Xylazine Act as it strikes the right balance of helping protect our communities from illicit xylazine while preserving veterinary access to this essential animal drug,” said Dr. Rena Carlson, President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Passage of this legislation would protect human safety, safeguard animal welfare, and reduce the risk of a potential supply disruption of legal xylazine. We greatly appreciate the Senate and House leads of the bill for recognizing the immediate need to address the public health threat posed by illicit xylazine and, at the same time, maintain access to legitimate xylazine for its critical uses in veterinary medicine.”

The updated text of the bill can be found here.