WASHINGTON, DC (LOOTPRESS) – A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced legislation aimed at curbing the smuggling of fentanyl into federal prisons through the postal system. Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) joined Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Randy Weber (R-TX) in unveiling the Marc Fischer Memorial Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act (H.R. 1046).
Named after Marc Fischer, a Coast Guard veteran and mailroom supervisor who died from fentanyl exposure at Atwater Federal Prison, the legislation aims to address the growing crisis of drug smuggling in correctional facilities. Over the past several years, drug overdoses among inmates have surged by 600 percent, largely due to fentanyl-laced contraband entering prisons via mail.
The proposed bill would require the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop a plan for digitizing inmate mail, a measure that supporters argue will prevent dangerous substances from being smuggled into facilities while improving safety for both inmates and prison staff.
Congresswoman Miller emphasized the urgency of tackling the fentanyl epidemic, stating, “The fentanyl and opioid crises in America have devastated our communities and will continue until we combat the flow of drugs throughout the United States. The Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act will prevent fentanyl from being smuggled into federal prisons and implement better living and working conditions at these facilities.”
Congressman Bacon echoed these concerns, highlighting the effectiveness of digital mail scanning as a preventive measure. “Digitizing mail has been shown to be an effective method for keeping this deadly drug away from inmates and protecting employees who are tasked with processing the mail. Neglecting this simple solution diverts resources and threatens health and safety at our prisons,” he said.
The bill represents a bipartisan effort to enhance security measures in federal correctional facilities while addressing the broader fentanyl crisis, which continues to claim thousands of American lives each year.
