Schumer Pushes Bill To Block Synthetic Opioids At Borders

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is throwing his support behind a bill that would boost federal resources to prevent and combat synthetic opioid addiction.

The New York Democrat will announce his support for the legislation Tuesday in both Schenectady and Rochester, where he says there have been increases in crimes, overdoses and deaths from opioids and synthetic counterparts.

Schumer says the bill by Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., aims to stop the flow of synthetic opioids from Mexico and China.

The measure would provide federal agents with screening devices, laboratory equipment and facilities for detection of synthetic opioids flowing across the border.

It would also increase border personnel, agents and scientists to test and intercept synthetic opioids.