Washington, D.C. - Today, the House passed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, or the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation would make the currently temporary Schedule I category for fentanyl, or anything mixed with it, permanent.
"Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 - 49. It affects every income level in every demographic in every corner of the country. Even in Minnesota's rural and relatively safe 7th District, one of the top issues I hear from police officers is about the dire need to get a handle on fentanyl overdoses," said Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07). "It is a heartbreaking epidemic that must be stopped. I am grateful we finally have a President who is taking this seriously and I am proud of the House for doing our job and passing the HALT Fentanyl Act. This bill is an important step towards ending this epidemic, giving law enforcement and CBP tools they need to keep illegal and deadly fentanyl, and anything mixed with it, off the street."
Background: Fentanyl, and any substance mixed with it currently has a temporary status as a Schedule I drug. That status is set to expire in March. Without it, law enforcement cannot efficiently carry out their duties to keep these lethal drugs out of our communities. This legislation makes the Schedule I status permanent.
