The growing crisis of synthetic opioids , particularly fentanyl, is becoming an increasingly alarming issue worldwide.

In recent years, fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, has infiltrated our neighborhoods , leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The main source of this dangerous drug is China, which produces the drug and its analogs and then traffics it across international borders.

This highly addictive substance has killed thousands of Americans, the majority of whom were young adults between the ages of 18 and 45. These tragic losses are not limited to those struggling with addiction, but also include unsuspecting people who unknowingly consume counterfeit prescription drugs laced with fentanyl.

In Texas alone, there were more than 1,600 fatalities related to fentanyl in 2021. Though the figures for 2022 are still being calculated, we already know there were more than 800 fentanyl-related deaths by August of last year.

This harrowing reality has prompted grieving mothers to band together and call for an increase in drug awareness programs in schools, as well as stronger legislation to combat this epidemic. I stand with these mothers fighting back against the fentanyl crisis and firmly believe in holding the foreign sponsors behind this drug accountable.

For this reason, I have authored the Justice Against Sponsors of Illicit Fentanyl Act, which would eliminate immunity protections that allow foreign nations to avoid consequences for trafficking fentanyl. The bill would allow victims of fentanyl and their survivors to bring civil claims against nations, such as Mexico and China, that enable the continued flood of fentanyl into the United States. We must send a clear message that we do not tolerate the appalling slaughter of our citizens.

This is just one way the U.S. can begin to address the fentanyl crisis. The porous nature of our southern border, which allows drug cartels to smuggle vast quantities of fentanyl into the U.S., is an issue that must also be addressed. It is imperative we strengthen our border security by investing in technology to detect and intercept these deadly drugs before they reach our communities and providing our law enforcement officers with the necessary resources and tools to fight this war on drugs.

There is also a need for legislation that would expand access to medication such as Narcan in schools and public spaces, which could be potentially lifesaving during opioid overdoses.

Education plays a pivotal role in preventing drug abuse. By implementing comprehensive drug awareness programs in schools, we can equip our youth with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and avoid the devastating consequences of drug addiction.

In short, this crisis demands a multifaceted approach — one that strengthens drug education, prevention, and our border security. As a nation, we have a moral obligation to stand up for our children, families, and communities against this lethal enemy. It is not a matter of politics, but of life and death.

The Justice Against Sponsors of Illicit Fentanyl Act is just the first step toward accountability. Our communities cannot afford to wait any longer. I urge my fellow legislators to set aside partisan differences and join me in supporting this bill. Together, we must hold foreign sponsors accountable for their role in perpetuating this crisis and work to end the scourge of fentanyl that is ravaging our communities.

Lance Gooden is a U.S. representative for Texas and a member of the House Judiciary Committee and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.