Kean, colleagues introduce bill to expand fentanyl response resources for law enforcement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., and three other lawmakers introduced legislation Wednesday that would allow state and local law enforcement agencies to use federal grant funding to purchase fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents.
Kean introduced the Fight Against Fentanyl Act with U.S. Reps. Jeff Van Drew, R-N.J., Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., and Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.
The legislation would amend the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program to allow state and local law enforcement agencies to use the federal funding to purchase fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents. The Byrne JAG program provides federal funding to state and local law enforcement jurisdictions.
“Access to fentanyl testing kits and opioid reversal agents is essential to prevent overdoses and deaths,” said Congressman Kean. “It is essential that we get first responders the tools they need to combat this deadly epidemic. I am pleased to work with Representatives Van Drew, Garbarino, and Lawler to introduce this legislation to take steps towards safeguarding communities from the devastating impact of fentanyl.”
“Fentanyl is different from anything we have dealt with before because such a small amount can be deadly,” said Congressman Van Drew. “We have to attack this problem from every direction. The Fight Against Fentanyl Act is one piece of that by helping local law enforcement use existing federal grant dollars for fentanyl testing kits and overdose reversal drugs. If there is something we can put in the hands of our police officers that can help catch fentanyl or save somebody’s life, they should have it.”
“Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities on Long Island and across the country. I’m proud to join Congressman Kean in leading the Fight Against Fentanyl Act to ensure law enforcement has access to the tools they need to combat this deadly drug and save lives,” said Congressman Garbarino.
“Substance use disorder and fentanyl are destroying families across the country, and we must work together at every level to combat this crisis. This legislation gives law enforcement the resources they need by allowing Byrne JAG grants to fund fentanyl testing kits and lifesaving opioid reversal agents that can mean the difference between life and death. I was proud to support this legislation last Congress, and I will continue working to give our communities the tools they need to fight back,” said Congressman Lawler.
Earlier this year, Kean and U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., introduced the American Cooperation with Our Neighbors Act, which would direct the State Department to develop a strategy for cooperation between the United States and Mexico to address illicit fentanyl trafficking, according to Kean’s office.
Kean’s office also said the congressman voted in January 2025 for the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was later signed into law.
Since taking office, Kean has secured nearly $22 million for law enforcement projects across New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process, according to his office.
