Fitzgerald, Johnson Introduce SOFA Act to Fight Opioid Epidemic
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Scott Fitzgerald and Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson introduced the Stopping Overdoses of Fentanyl Analogues (SOFA) Act to combat the opioid epidemic and surge in overdose deaths occurring across the country.
Synthetic versions of fentanyl, referred to as fentanyl analogues, are often produced in China, then shipped to Mexico where cartels use it to manufacture large amounts of fentanyl products to be smuggled into the United States. Right now, these substances have only been classified as Schedule I, carrying the most severe criminal penalties, on an emergency basis.
Summary: The Biden administration, despite supporting reclassification, is unwilling to act unless Congress reforms mandatory minimum policies to reduce criminal sentences and allow dangerous individuals back on to our streets. This bill would invoke permanent scheduling classification of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I.
SOFA is the same acronym as an organization started by Lauri Badura of Oconomowoc, WI, Saving Others for Archie. Lauri has worked to raise awareness on the dangers of drug addiction throughout Wisconsin following the loss of her son, Archie, to an overdose on May 15, 2014.
“Passing the SOFA Act is more important than ever as Americans face the worst border crisis in our nation’s history. This bill codifies an effective regulation that is preventing new fentanyl-related substances from entering our communities, said Senator Ron Johnson. Wisconsin families and American communities have been devastated by the opioid epidemic. I’m proud to work with Congressman Fitzgerald to re-introduce this lifesaving and common-sense legislation for the fourth time.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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Read more about Opioid Crisis here