Senators Seek Deal to Fight Gun-Fentanyl Smuggling over the Southern Border

Senators are looking to take aim at the smuggling of firearms and fentanyl across the southern border after Senate Judiciary Committee leaders raised concerns over gun violence and drug overdose deaths during Wednesday's hearing.

Democratic Committee Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois began the hearing by stating his desire to address gun deaths, and ranking Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina stressed the need for a solution to the ongoing fentanyl crisis.

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are speaking on how the two issues could be tackled together in a legislative package addressing the border. During the hearing, Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged the severity of both issues, and Durbin accepted a challenge from across the aisle.

"Senator Graham basically challenged me, and I accept the challenge," Durbin said, "to show as much concern about the fentanyl deaths [as gun deaths] in this country."