U.S. Senator visits Brownsville to speak on fentanyl crisis

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — U.S. Senator Tim Kaine is speaking in Brownsville Thursday morning on efforts to mitigate a fentanyl crisis.

Kaine's media team says fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans age 18-45.

"According to the Virginia Department of Health, nearly 1,800 Virginians died of a fentanyl overdose in 2023 a deeply concerning increase from 50 fentanyl overdose deaths in Virginia in 2012," the senators news release read.

This afternoon Kaine will visit the Veterans International Bridge and the Gateway International Bridge to learn more about what law enforcement is doing to stop contraband while promoting trade.

On Friday, Kaine will meet with U.S. Border Patrol in McAllen to discuss fentanyl mitigation efforts at the border between Ports of Entry. He also will meet with the Mexican Consul Generals in Brownsville and McAllen to discuss U.S.-Mexico cooperation to combat drug trafficking.