North Miami-Dade News

This week, the House of Representatives approved H.R. 9172, the Foreign Stored Precursor Destruction and Safe Disposal Initiative (DISPOSE), as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.

The bill was introduced by Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere Foreign Affairs, and Ranking Member Joaquin Castro (D-TX). Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Jim Risch (R-ID) introduced a complementary bill in the Senate.

The DISPOSE Act aims to establish fentanyl and chemical precursor destruction facilities in key drug trafficking locations: Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. The bill seeks to combat illicit drugs at their source by cutting off supplies before they reach U.S. shores.

"The fentanyl crisis is destroying American communities, and Miami is not immune to these dangers," said Congresswoman Salazar. "Thanks to House Republican leaders for prioritizing my DISPOSE Act in the National Defense Authorization Act. This bill will save American lives and deprive cartels and criminals of a significant revenue source."

"The lethal trade of fentanyl is an international crisis that demands Congress's full attention," said Congressman Joaquin Castro. "Last year, over 500 people in San Antonio died from fentanyl that should never have reached Texas. The DISPOSE Act takes common-sense steps to help U.S. partners seize and destroy fentanyl precursors and save lives. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Salazar, Senator Grassley, and Senator Shaheen on this important step forward and look forward to seeing President Biden sign the DISPOSE Act into law."

"We must DISPOSE of fentanyl and the devastation it is wreaking across our country," said Congressman Lawler. "The DISPOSE Act is an important step toward achieving that goal and saving lives from this deadly poison. I was proud to be one of the original sponsors of this measure, pleased to see it pass in the House as part of the NDAA, and look forward to seeing this crucial legislation become law. I commend Congresswoman Salazar for her leadership on this issue."

"Strengthening our collaboration with partners in Latin America on drug interdiction efforts will help stop the flow of fentanyl and other deadly substances into our communities," said Congressman Chris Pappas. "The DISPOSE Act will establish centers in Mexico, Colombia, and Peru that identify and destroy fentanyl precursors before they reach U.S soil."

"Fentanyl has devastated so many Arizona families, we need all available tools to stop its flow into the United States," said Representative Stanton. "The DISPOSE Act deepens our cooperation with Latin American partners to destroy chemical precursors before they reach our borders."

BACKGROUND:

The DISPOSE Act establishes a Chemical Precursor Destruction Initiative with Western Hemisphere partners aimed at increasing seizure rates; alleviating stockpiles safely; ensuring seized chemicals are not reintroduced into illicit production networks; freeing storage space for future seizures; reducing environmental impact.

This bill was unanimously passed by the House Foreign Affairs Committee in September.