This bill would expand training on test strips that can detect fentanyl, xylazine, and similar drugs. It would also push federal health officials to set guidance for these tests and study whether they help reduce overdoses.
Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
ALERT Communities Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Latest action on H.R. 1561: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 48 - 0.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects first responders, people at risk of overdose, health care workers, and companies that make test strips. First responders could get new training on carrying and sharing access to test strips. Health workers and test makers could see new federal guidance for tests used in clinics and drug checking. Congress would receive study results that could shape future overdose policy.
Why this matters: Overdoses often happen because people do not know what is in a drug supply. This bill would support tools that can detect fentanyl, xylazine, and similar substances before or during care. It could also give lawmakers and health workers better evidence on whether test strips reduce harm or help people enter treatment. The bill does not itself create new treatment services or set funding levels.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Officially: ALERT Communities Act
This bill would expand training on test strips that can detect fentanyl, xylazine, and similar drugs. It would also push federal health officials to set guidance for these tests and study whether they help reduce overdoses.
Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend HR1561. Modern Action explains what the bill does, helps identify the right senators or representative, and drafts a bill-specific message you can edit and send.
Where it stands
Sitting in Health
No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.
Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.
Where this bill is in the process
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. (2/25/2025)
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail
Choose one clear position: support, oppose, or amend. Then pick any reasons or personal context you want included. Modern Action uses that input and the bill context to draft a message you can edit and send.
Congressional offices prioritize messages from their own constituents. Modern Action uses your address to route the drafted message to your House representative when that is the most relevant target for this bill.
The draft includes the bill number, your position, the reasons you selected, any personal context you added, and a direct ask such as voting yes, voting no, cosponsoring, opposing, or seeking changes. You stay in control because you can edit the message before sending.
This page gives you an opportunity to support, oppose, or ask for changes to ALERT Communities Act, then contact the elected officials who can act. Modern Action drafts the message from your position and the reasons you select.
Modern Action keeps the action tied to the bill itself: what it does, where it is in the process (committee), which office can still act, and what ask belongs in the message.
You are not starting from a blank form. Modern Action drafts the message around HR1561, your stance, and the reasons you choose, then lets you edit and send when ready.
