GOP House approves fentanyl crackdown bill supported by Biden.

Major Step Forward in the Fight Against Fentanyl Epidemic

The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, or HALT Fentanyl Act, has passed in the House with bipartisan support, signaling a major step forward in the fight against the deadly fentanyl epidemic. The bill, which was endorsed by the Biden administration, is now on its way to the president’s desk.

Elevating Fentanyl to the Most Serious Classification of Illegal Drugs

The HALT Fentanyl Act would elevate fentanyl to the most serious classification of illegal drugs, according to its authors Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Bob Latta (R-OH). It passed in a 289-133 vote, with 74 Democrats voting in support. One Republican voted against the measure, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).

Permanently Scheduling Fentanyl and All Related Substances

The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently schedule fentanyl and all related substances as Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and expedite government research on the drug. Fentanyl and its variants have only temporarily been deemed Schedule I drugs through 2024.

Strong Opposition from Some Lawmakers

Despite protests from some House Democrats who voiced concerns over declaring a new war on drugs, the White House Office of Management and Budget announced on Monday its support of the legislation. However, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ) cited deep concerns in a floor speech Wednesday and alleged the bill would have “harmful implications” on U.S. communities if passed.

The Devastating Impact of Fentanyl

Fentanyl is a man-made drug so strong that several grains of the powder can induce a coma or death. U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 45 were more likely to die from consuming fentanyl than they were to die as the result of a car crash, COVID-19, heart attack, suicide, or terrorist attack in 2021, the U.S. government declared. Fentanyl overdoses were the driving force behind the record-high 100,000 overdose deaths last year.

• The HALT Fentanyl Act is a major step forward in the fight against the deadly fentanyl epidemic.
• The bill would elevate fentanyl to the most serious classification of illegal drugs and permanently schedule it and all related substances as Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.
• Despite opposition from some lawmakers, the White House Office of Management and Budget has announced its support of the legislation.
• Fentanyl is a man-made drug so strong that it has caused a record-high 100,000 overdose deaths last year.