The U.S. House unanimously passed legislation backed by Rep. Josh Riley that would classify xylazine as a Schedule III controlled substance while preserving its legitimate veterinary use.
The bipartisan Combating Illicit Xylazine Act targets the veterinary tranquilizer, commonly called "tranq," as drug traffickers increasingly mix it with fentanyl. Riley represents New York's 19th Congressional District.
Xylazine can slow breathing, heart rate and blood pressure to life-threatening levels. Because it is not an opioid, naloxone cannot reverse its sedative effects, according to Riley's office.
The congressman's release cited federal data showing overdose deaths involving xylazine rose nearly twentyfold from 2015 to 2020. It did not provide more recent national or district-level figures.
Bill would add tracking and reporting requirements
The measure would place xylazine under Schedule III of the federal Controlled Substances Act, giving law enforcement authority to pursue illicit trafficking under controlled-substance laws.
It would direct the Drug Enforcement Administration to track xylazine manufacturing to help detect diversion into the illegal market. The legislation would also require a federal report on the drug's prevalence, risks and recommended responses.
The bill defines an "ultimate user" who may lawfully possess a controlled substance for legitimate purposes, a provision intended to protect veterinarians, farmers and ranchers who use xylazine to treat large animals.
Riley said he has met Upstate New York parents who lost children to overdoses and described the bill as one part of a broader effort to reduce fentanyl deaths. Columbia County Sheriff Jacqueline Salvatore said xylazine compounds the danger of fentanyl and other opioids and that the measure would provide tools to target people who knowingly traffic the drug.
Riley points to broader fentanyl agenda
Riley's office said he voted for the Senate version of the HALT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I while expanding research access. He also cosponsored the House version.
The congressman introduced the Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act with Rep. Zach Nunn to support detection technology at borders and in prisons. He has also cosponsored measures addressing mail screening in federal prisons, technology pilots at land ports of entry, equipment for law enforcement and grant programs aimed at trafficking prevention and youth education.
The release did not say when the Senate may consider the xylazine measure or whether President Donald Trump has taken a position on it.
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