This week, U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, R-Fla., showcased his support for a proposal that “would secure the pharmaceutical supply chain and close vulnerabilities that allow counterfeit controlled substances, including lethal fentanyl, to enter the marketplace.”

At the end of last week, U.S. Rep. Don Davis, D-NC, introduced the “Modern Authentication of Pharmaceuticals (MAP) Act” with Rutherford and U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen, D-Col., as co-sponsors.

“The U.S. is currently experiencing a devastating opioid epidemic, partly driven by dangerous counterfeit products that infiltrate consumer markets. In 2022, more than 100,000 people died in the U.S. due to drug overdose. The Drug Enforcement Administration also reported that, as of December 2022, it has seized approximately 50,600,000 fake pills laced with fentanyl across all 50 states and the District of Columbia,” the congressional backers noted. “The MAP Act will require on-dose identifiers on controlled substances that ensure their authenticity to improve the safety and traceability of the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain. The MAP Act takes a critical step toward combating the opioid crisis in the U.S. and provides peace of mind to the 70 percent of Americans who rely on thousands of life-saving medications each day.”

Davis and Rutherford weighed in on the bill this week.

“We must take immediate steps to stop the flow of fentanyl and counterfeit drugs coming into eastern North Carolina,” said Davis. “Too many of our kids are overdosing on opioids, and too many of our most vulnerable seniors are consuming counterfeit medications. We can no longer have this state of affairs in the greatest nation on earth. With the MAP Act, we are taking sorely needed steps to stem the flow of illicit substances, both domestically and abroad, by simply requiring on-dose identifiers for controlled substances.”

“As a lifetime member of law enforcement and a former sheriff, I have seen firsthand the effects that counterfeit drugs have on our communities. Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the leading cause of death among adults 18 to 49,” said Rutherford. “I am proud to join Congressman Davis in introducing legislation to create additional security around pharmaceuticals. This commonsense bill will help stop counterfeit drugs and make sure those who rely on medication can verify its safety and authenticity.”

The bill was sent to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. So far, there is no companion bill over in the U.S. Senate.