The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act on Mar. 26, with a vote of 19-3. The bill is led by Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and aims to address the growing use of xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer, as an additive in fentanyl and other narcotics.
Xylazine’s increasing presence in illegal drugs has raised concerns due to its toxicity. The proposed legislation would classify xylazine as a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act but ensures its continued legal use for veterinarians, farmers, and ranchers.
“Last week, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard the tragic stories of American families who’ve been devastated by xylazine. This week, the committee took decisive action to advance bipartisan legislation that would crack down on xylazine traffickers, equip law enforcement with new tools to combat its spread and protect the drug’s legitimate use by veterinarians, ranchers and cattlemen,” Grassley said. “I’m proud of our committee’s longstanding and bipartisan efforts to protect Americans from the scourge of illegal drugs and am grateful for Senator Cortez Masto’s partnership on this bill. I’ll continue working to ensure this lifesaving legislation is signed into law.”
The bill has received support from over ninety national, state, and local organizations in law enforcement and veterinary fields as well as hundreds of families affected by illicit drug use. Federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of National Drug Policy—along with both recent presidential administrations—have also backed it.
In addition to advancing this act, the committee approved other measures including the Count the Crimes to Cut Act; Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act; and nominations for Brian Gootkin (United States Marshal for Montana) and James Stuart (United States Marshal for Minnesota).
Grassley is known for his long tenure in public service—including serving in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958 to 1974—and his experience working on factory floors before entering politics according to his official website. He continues farming corn and soybeans in Butler County while assisting Iowans with federal agency matters according to his official website. Grassley’s career reflects a commitment to pragmatic policymaking through bipartisan collaboration according to his official website.
