Moskowitz Leads Bipartisan Bill to Keep Fentanyl Out of Federal Prisons

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Jared Moskowitz (FL-23) recently introduced bipartisan legislation to modernize mail systems at federal prisons and keep illicit fentanyl and other synthetic substances out of these facilities. Moskowitz is joined by Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) and six other House members, including three House Judiciary Committee colleagues, in introducing the Marc Fischer Memorial Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act.

“Keeping fentanyl and other synthetic opioids out of our prison system should be a no-brainer,” said Congressman Moskowitz. “Through this commonsense bill, we’ll modernize the mail system at federal prisons, prevent contraband from entering these facilities, and protect mail carriers, prison staff, and federal inmates from these deadly substances.”

“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,” said Congressman Bacon. “Neglecting this simple solution diverts resources and threatens health and safety at our prisons.”

In recent years, prisons have seen a 600% rise in drug overdoses among inmates, driven inpart by the smuggling of illicit fentanyl through the mail system. Through this bipartisan bill, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) would have to develop a plan to transition its mail to a digital scanning system, preventing illicit and dangerous substances from making their way into prison facilities without interfering with inmates’ ability to continue corresponding with loved ones.

The legislation is named for Marc Fischer, a mailroom supervisor and Coast Guard veteran who died at Atwater Federal Prison from the exact kind of fentanyl exposure this bill targets.

Click HERE to read bill text for the Marc Fischer Memorial Interdiction of Fentanyl in Postal Mail at Federal Prisons Act.