The resolution from the Ohio Senate urges the 119th Congress to introduce and pass legislation similar to the Stop Our Scourge Act of 2023, which would designate illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. The resolution highlights the alarming potency of fentanyl, noting that it is fifty times more potent than heroin and has become the leading cause of death among Americans aged eighteen to forty-five. It emphasizes the complexities surrounding illicit fentanyl, which is often mixed with other drugs, increasing the risk of overdose, and cites significant statistics regarding overdose deaths and seizures of illicit fentanyl by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The resolution also references historical instances that illustrate the dangers of fentanyl, including a tragic event in 2002 where a gas containing fentanyl-related compounds was used in a hostage situation, resulting in numerous fatalities. By calling for federal action, the Ohio General Assembly aims to address the growing public health crisis posed by fentanyl and enhance efforts to combat its distribution and misuse. The resolution concludes with a directive for the Clerk of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to relevant congressional leaders and the media.