Collins' TRANQ Act Headed to White House to be Signed into Law

December 4, 2023

Washington, D.C.—Today, legislation authored by Representative Mike Collins (R-Ga.) passed the House of Representatives for a second time and is now on its way to the White House to be signed into law. H.R. 1734, the Testing, Rapid Analysis, and Narcotic Quality (TRANQ) Research Act, which was the first bill written and introduced by the freshman congressman, originally passed the House on May 11 by a vote of 425-0. It then passed the Senate by unanimous consent with a minor amendment on June 22. That version of the legislation passed the House again today.

"Fentanyl is plaguing our communities, and dangerous additives like Xylazine are making it even more deadly," said Rep. Collins. "By funding research into detection methods for these dangerous substances, we are helping local law enforcement and Border Patrol protect themselves when they encounter dangerous narcotics like the Zombie Drug in the field. I am proud that my first bill to be signed into law will help our heroes in blue and green stay safe as they selflessly serve our communities.”

Rep. Collins spoke on the House floor in advance of the vote urging his colleagues to support this crucial legislation. To watch, click the link here.

Background

H.R. 1734 is Rep. Collins' first piece of legislation to pass both chambers and head to the President's desk for consideration.

The TRANQ Research Act directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to deepen its partnerships and strategically focus on the science needed to detect, identify, and better understand synthetic opioids. One particularly dangerous fentanyl analog contains xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer.

Tranq, also known as the “Zombie Drug,” has gruesome side effects. It causes large wounds that don’t heal and is resistant to standard opioid overdose treatments. Its use is skyrocketing across the country and contributing to an ever-growing number of drug overdoses.

###

Issues: Congress