Authorization of military force against Mexican cartels fueling fentanyl crisis gaining support

A resolution introduced by GOP Reps. Mike Waltz and Dan Crenshaw authorizing military action against Mexican drug cartels fueling the deadly fentanyl epidemic sweeping the U.S. is gaining more cosponsors.

According to the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), "fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances kill approximately 80,000 Americans every year and is the leading cause of death for American men between the ages of 18 and 45."

If passed and signed into law, the resolution would give President Biden the authority "to use military force against cartels based on their fentanyl trafficking, production, and distribution; their use of force against US law enforcement and/or military, law enforcement and/or military of a neighboring country, and/or to gain control of territory to use for their criminal enterprise." 

The authorization would expire five years after enactment, which would require Congress to reauthorize it if needed.

Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Banks is the latest House member to sign on to the legislation as a cosponsor.  
 
“Fentanyl traffickers have killed more Americans in the past year than the Vietcong did during the entire Vietnam War," Banks said. "Instead of putting a stop to it, Joe Biden has ceded control of U.S. territory on our border to these murderous gangs. Republicans in Congress need to work with the next president to use any means necessary, including mobilizing our armed forces, to stop the cartels that have poisoned hundreds of thousands of Americans."

Banks' office told Just the News that GOP Reps. Jake Ellzey and Beth Van Duyne have also signed on as cosponsors.