- By Office of Congressman Tom Reed
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Congressman Tom Reed announced plans Wednesday to reintroduce the Help Ensure Lives are Protected (HELP) Act, a bill that would allow federal prosecutors access to more severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases following the arrest of Buffalo man with thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl.
"The opioid epidemic is destroying our communities and devastating the young people we care about," said Tom. "Victims and their families deserve justice and fair treatment, and our law enforcement community deserves our full support as they stand on the front lines in dealing with this crisis. This legislation will empower our law enforcement officials to hold drug dealers responsible for their destructive actions."
The HELP Act would allow federal prosecutors access to more severe penalties, including life in prison or the death penalty, when prosecuting certain criminal drug cases. The penalties would apply in the event prosecutors connect an overdose death to the drug dealer that sold heroin laced with fentanyl.
The HELP Act has been met with broad support from law enforcement and community officials.
"Communities throughout our region are suffering from the effects of opioid abuse. I will stand with Congressman Reed to support of our local Law Enforcement officials. This legislation will empower them to hold drug dealers responsible for their actions. Too many are dying and it's time we stand up and bring awareness to the heroin problem we are facing," Assemblyman Phil Palmesano added.
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