HALT Fentanyl Act Clears House Vote

The U.S. House of Representatives has, therefore, taken a monumental step in addressing the opioid epidemic by passing the HALT Fentanyl Act with a resounding bipartisan vote of 312-108. Significantly, this pivotal legislation not only aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act but also underscores the government’s commitment to tackling this pressing issue. Consequently, this classification, reserved for substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use, equips law enforcement with enhanced tools to effectively combat the production and distribution of these deadly compounds. (Congress.GOV)

Moreover, the act, introduced by Representatives Morgan Griffith (R-VA) and Bob Latta (R-OH), comes at a critical time as the temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances is set to expire in March 2025. Therefore, advocates emphasise the urgency of this permanent.

Senate to Review Critical Legislation with Broad Support

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA), along with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), now leads the Senate’s review of a companion bill. Senator Grassley underlined the urgency of the act, pointing to the staggering statistic of 150 Americans succumbing to fentanyl poisoning each day. The HALT Fentanyl Act also targets synthetic versions of fentanyl that mimic legitimate medications, intensifying the current crisis.

Beyond enforcement, the act fosters advancements in scientific research. With streamlined registration requirements for researchers and simplified inspection processes, the legislation aims to support studies on addiction and its broader societal impact.

The act has received wide endorsements from law enforcement and public safety organisations, reflecting its necessity in fighting the opioid crisis. Groups such as the National District Attorneys Association and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition have applauded the bill’s potential to remove lethal substances from streets and protect communities nationwide.

Source: Addiction Policy