WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-07) sent a letter to House and Senate Appropriations Committee leadership urging them to fully fund installation of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology, such as fentanyl scanners, to ensure they are operational at U.S. ports of entry. Recent reporting detailed that fentanyl scanners are sitting unused in warehouses because Congress has not appropriated funding to install them .

“These fentanyl scanners are critical to stopping dangerous fentanyl from entering our country through our ports of entry. Non-Intrusive Inspection technology like the one that is already being used at the Mariposa Port of Entry in my District is helping address this ever-growing problem. However, recent reports indicating that fentanyl scanners are sitting unused in warehouses because Congress has not appropriated funding to install them is incredibly troublesome and must be immediately addressed.” wrote Rep. Grijalva.

“Far too many of our states and constituents are being impacted by the fentanyl crisis that is one of the most dangerous and lethal drugs in our nation’s history. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), more than 90% of fentanyl interdicted is stopped at ports of entry where cartels attempt to smuggle it through, primarily in vehicles driven by U.S. citizens. It is clear enhancing screening and staffing resources for our ports of entry is a primary way we can combat this issue. When our DHS personnel have the technology and resources to inspect commercial and private vehicles for illicit contraband as they enter the U.S., lives are saved. Congress has directed DHS to ultimately scan 100 percent of cargo and vehicles entering the U.S. for contraband, drugs, and other illicit items. For DHS to fulfill this obligation, it needs to have adequate funding now and into the future,” Rep. Grijalva continued.

The full letter can be found here.