Cortez Masto Statement on Xylazine’s Designation as “Emerging Threat”

Reno, Nev. – Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) released the following statement in response to the White House designating xylazine an “emerging drug threat” through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“With xylazine continuing to spread across the country, this is an important first step that demonstrates the White House is committed to working with us to crack down on traffickers and protect our communities,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “Now it’s critical we pass my bipartisan legislation to give federal and local law enforcement the tools they need to combat the rise of this dangerous tranquilizer and hold traffickers accountable.”

Cortez Masto is leading bipartisan efforts to crack down on xylazine, the highly dangerous sedative causing fatal overdoses nationwide. Her Combating Illicit Xylazine Act would:

• Classify its illicit use under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act; 
• Enable the DEA to track its manufacturing to ensure it is not diverted to the illicit market;
• Require a report on prevalence, risks, and recommendations to best regulate illicit use of xylazine;
• Ensure all salts and isomers of xylazine are covered when restricting its illicit use.

Xylazine is essential in veterinary medicine with large animals, and while this legislation will help law enforcement crack down on its illicit use, it will also protect access for veterinarians, farmers, cattlemen, and ranchers by protecting the veterinary medicine use of xylazine. 

Cortez Masto’s legislation has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, American Veterinary Medical Association, Nevada Cattlemen Association, National Association of Police Organizations, National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, North American Meat Institute, Animal Health Institute, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

Senator Cortez Masto has been working to crack down on illicit drugs since she was first elected Attorney General of Nevada, when she worked with Nevada’s Republican governor, law enforcement, and Mexican officials to combat the rise of methamphetamine manufacturing and cross-border drug trafficking. In the Senate, she has authored legislation to combat drug trafficking online that was signed into law, as well as critical legislation to address the opioid epidemic.

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