Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act
Summary
The "Combating Online Fentanyl Trafficking Act" aims to enhance the Department of Justice's (DOJ) capabilities in combating fentanyl trafficking by providing incentive pay to individuals with specialized cyber skills. This incentive pay, up to 25% of basic pay, is intended to attract and retain talent crucial for detecting, preventing, and prosecuting online fentanyl trafficking. The bill specifies that this incentive pay will not be included in certain pay limitations but will be considered part of basic pay for retirement purposes.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the DOJ's effectiveness in combating online fentanyl trafficking by attracting skilled personnel. It may also lead to increased costs for the DOJ due to the incentive pay program. The long-term impact will depend on the program's success in reducing fentanyl trafficking and its associated harms.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced detection and prevention of online fentanyl trafficking.
- Attraction and retention of skilled cyber professionals within the DOJ.
- Potential reduction in fentanyl-related deaths and health crises.
- Improved prosecution of individuals involved in online fentanyl trafficking.
- Strengthened national security by disrupting illicit drug networks.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased financial burden on the DOJ due to incentive pay.
- Potential for inequitable distribution of incentive pay within the DOJ.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on cyber skills and fentanyl trafficking.
- Possible unintended consequences related to employee morale if incentive pay is not managed effectively.
- The effectiveness of the incentive pay may be limited by other factors, such as the availability of resources and the evolving nature of online drug trafficking.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the provision for the general welfare. Congress has the power to enact laws necessary and proper for carrying into execution the powers vested by the Constitution in the government of the United States. The effort to combat drug trafficking falls under this purview. Article I, Section 8 provides Congress with the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).