Reps. Gabe Evans and Adam Gray Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Combat Fentanyl Poisonings

WASHINGTON — Today, former cop and current Congressman Gabe Evans, alongside Congressman Adam Gray (CA-13) introduced the bipartisan Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act. The legislation establishes new grant programs to help state and local law enforcement agencies and non-profits stop fentanyl dealers, protect officers in the field and educate young people about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs. 

The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act authorizes three targeted grant programs: 

• $10 million for state and local law enforcement to track down and arrest fentanyl dealers who target youth online and to provide training to schools, clinicians and the public on prevention. 

• $3 million for non profits focused on youth education, helping cover costs for educational materials, bringing families of victims to speak directly to students, and distributing lifesaving Narcan while explicitly prohibiting funding for controversial harm-reduction tools such as drug test strips, smoking kits, or needles.

• $2 million for state and local law enforcement to equip officers with lifesaving tools like Narcan protective gear and portable testing devices to keep themselves and their colleagues safe in the field 

Additionally, this bill is budget neutral and does not authorize new spending, instead carving out these programs from the existing Byrne-JAG grant funding under the Department of Justice.

Colorado’s fentanyl problem has increasingly worsened over the last 12 years. In 2023 alone 425.6 kilograms were confiscated — that’s enough to kill every Coloradan 36 times.

“As a former cop in Colorado, I know firsthand how our states' soft-on-crime policies have led to the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl into our communities. This legislation will help to educate families, while giving our law enforcement the tools and critical resources they need to combat this and keep Coloradans safe. Everyone deserves to live in a community free from the threat of fentanyl poisonings.” - Congressman Gabe Evans

“Tens of thousands of Americans have lost their lives to fentanyl, and thousands more mourn them every day. It’s time Congress acts to end the fentanyl crisis and keep the Central Valley safe. The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act would teach kids early about the dangers of fentanyl, and ensure our law enforcement officers have what they need to put those who traffic fentanyl behind bars. This bipartisan bill is a commonsense solution to protect Valley families.” - Congressman Adam Gray

This commonsense bill immediately garnered support from local law enforcement: 

County Sheriffs of Colorado: 

“County Sheriffs of Colorado is proud to support Congressman Gabe Evans’ Combatting Fentanyl Poisoning Act. Families across our state have suffered from the devastating impacts of fentanyl and this legislation is a critical step forward. This will not only help to educate Coloradans, but give our law enforcement the necessary tools, training and further resources to respond to and combat this drug in our communities.”

Weld County Chiefs of Police Association:

"The Weld County Chiefs of Police Association is pleased to endorse Representative Gabe Evans’ Combatting Fentanyl Poisoning Act. Too many Coloradans have lost their lives to this drug, tearing families apart and devastating communities across our state. We appreciate Congressman Evans commitment to supporting public safety, and his leadership in the fight against fentanyl.” 

Weld County Sheriff Reams:

“Congressman Evans’ Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act delivers the practical support our officers’ needs. From expanding educational initiatives for our youth, to providing resources, tools and further funding for state and local law enforcement, this legislation will give Coloradans the tools to save lives and keep our communities safe. I applaud Congressman Evans for using his experience as a former cop and leading the crackdown on fentanyl.” 

Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen:

“Fentanyl affects everyday people, and a single pill can kill. Too many families in our Northern Colorado communities have already felt its impact. Recently, we’ve seen fentanyl added to other drugs, often without the user’s knowledge- with fatal results. I’m proud to support Representative Evans' introduction of this Bill as it will not only educate our community, but also equip law enforcement with the training, tools, and resources needed to arrest those who sell fentanyl online, and to protect our deputies as they work to keep our communities safe.”

Victims Of Illicit Drugs:

"V.O.I.D., ‘Victims Of Illicit Drugs’ strongly supports the Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act of 2025 because it recognizes the urgent need to save lives through prevention, education, and awareness. By providing grants to nonprofits, the bill empowers bereaved families and community organizations like ours to share real stories, produce educational materials, and directly reach the public with life-saving information about the dangers of fentanyl. It also ensures that parents, teachers, and school staff are trained to recognize risks and respond effectively with tools such as naloxone. Importantly, the bill prioritizes protecting children from online drug dealers and equips law enforcement to safely confront the fentanyl crisis in our communities. This legislation represents a vital step toward addressing the fentanyl epidemic through a balanced approach of enforcement, education, and community action."

National Association of Police Organizations, Executive Director Bill Johnson: 

“The spread of fentanyl in our communities is devastating. It is being mixed with already deadly illicit drugs, hidden in counterfeit drugs, and being peddled at alarmingly high rates to our youth through social media. The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act focuses on the deadly impact this poison has on our nation’s youth by providing resources to law enforcement, schools, families, and victims to combat and deter sales of fentanyl on social media and to educate communities on the dangers of this illicit drug. With 75 percent of teen overdose deaths linked to fentanyl, the time to act to protect our children is now. NAPO supports this important bill and thanks Representatives Evans and Gray for their advocacy and leadership.” 

The Combatting Fentanyl Poisonings Act received both the Denver Police Protective Association and the Colorado Police Protective Association’s full endorsement.