Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) held a fentanyl response roundtable with first responders and care providers at her Kelso office to discuss ways in which the Congresswoman can continue to best support their efforts at the federal level.

The group, which included the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Longview Fire Department, and Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, as well as family health and recovery stakeholders, discussed the challenges of drug use prevention, fighting the flow of fentanyl into Southwest Washington communities, and ensuring those struggling with substance use disorders can access treatment and achieve lasting recovery. 

From 2022 to 2023, fentanyl-related deaths in Cowlitz County more than doubled, increasing from 18 to 42. The county makes up three percent of statewide overdoses, despite making up only 0.5 percent of the state population.

Last month, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced legislation to expand funding and support for multi-jurisdictional drug task forces – and today, she launched a substance use disorder resource hub on her website for constituents to easily locate local crisis resources, helplines, and treatment.

“We have to end the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities before it takes more of our loved ones and neighbors from us, and we need all of the local talent possible at the table,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I deeply appreciate the local first responders and care providers on the front lines who came out to discuss how we can work hand-in-hand to fight this crisis, stop the spread of fentanyl, and build a brighter future for those suffering from addiction.”

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez is working to fight the flow of fentanyl across our Southern Border that makes the work of first responders more difficult, scoring 100 percent on the National Association of Police Organizations’ Legislative Scorecard for those efforts. 

The Congresswoman cosponsored the FEND Off Fentanyl and END FENTANYL Acts in the House, which are now law, to target fentanyl traffickers and fight fentanyl smuggling at ports of entry. Her bipartisan legislation to reauthorize community-based programs to support pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders also passed the House last year.

Along with her bipartisan colleagues, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the Invest to Protect Act to help police departments access funding for training, hiring, and retention; introduced the Streamlining Federal Grants Act make it easier for small, rural departments to apply for resources; and helped introduce a bipartisan bill to support law enforcement training and recruitment grants and expand access for rural communities.

The Congresswoman also supports increased funding for the Byrne JAG and COPS grants local law enforcement departments rely on.