Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) has introduced the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues (SIMSA) Act, aiming to combat the influx of synthetic drugs that closely resemble controlled substances. This bipartisan effort includes Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Russell Fry (SC-07), and Don Davis (NC-01). In the Senate, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have introduced corresponding legislation.
Rep. Pfluger emphasized the need for this legislation, stating, "Drug traffickers are constantly exploiting loopholes in our laws by creating drugs that mimic the effects of controlled substances but are not yet classified as illegal to evade regulation. The SIMSA Act will give law enforcement the tools they need to stay ahead of these criminals and protect our communities from these emerging drug threats."
Rep. Panetta highlighted the necessity for a more responsive federal approach: "The federal government needs to be more nimble when it comes to effectively responding to the surge of new synthetic drugs on our streets. By creating a new Schedule A, we can better target substances designed to evade existing bans and hold drug traffickers accountable."
Representative Fry added his support, saying, "I am proud to introduce the Stop Importation and Manufacturing of Synthetic Analogues Act to crack down on the synthetic drugs plaguing our communities across the country. This legislation will help our law enforcement stop this influx of deadly drugs and ultimately save lives."
Congressman Don Davis stressed the urgency: "Congress must crack down on illicit narcotics, including fentanyl, to prevent them from evading detection. We owe it to families across eastern North Carolina and America."
Senator Grassley pointed out flaws in current regulations: “International drug traffickers are taking advantage of a gap in our laws. This has created a lethal game of ‘whack-a-mole.’ The SIMSA Act sends an explicit message the U.S. is done playing.”
Senator Hassan discussed local impacts: “Communities across New Hampshire have been devastated by fentanyl and other deadly drugs... Our bipartisan legislation will provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to crack down on the criminals flooding our streets with these drug analogues.”
The SIMSA Act addresses a significant issue where illicit drug makers alter single atoms in controlled substances, creating new compounds that evade current laws but have similar effects on users. Currently, such substances require extensive analysis before being scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Under SIMSA, DEA can classify substances as Schedule A if their chemical structure is substantially similar to a controlled substance and they are expected to have comparable or greater effects on humans. This classification would subject manufacturers, exporters, and importers of these substances to criminal penalties while ensuring legitimate research can continue.