US Election 2024

House passes bill to permanently classify fentanyl as Schedule 1 drug

The House of Representatives made a significant move on Thursday by passing legislation to permanently classify fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug. This decision is aimed at providing law enforcement with the necessary tools to prosecute drug traffickers effectively and put a stop to the flow of such dangerous substances.

In 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order (TSO) for fentanyl as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, this temporary order is set to expire in March, prompting lawmakers to take action. Reps. Morgan Griffith of Virginia and Bob Latta of Ohio introduced the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act to permanently amend the CSA and reflect the current scheduling order.

The bipartisan legislation passed with a vote of 312-108, with 107 Democrats voting against its passage. Schedule 1 drugs under the CSA are defined as substances with a high potential for abuse, no accepted medical value, and subject to regulatory controls and penalties. The legislation also includes provisions to expand mandatory minimum sentencing for manufacturing, importing, or possessing fentanyl-related substances with the intent to distribute.

Representative Randy Feenstra of Iowa expressed his support for the HALT Fentanyl Act, emphasizing the importance of holding drug traffickers accountable and equipping law enforcement with the tools needed to combat the opioid crisis. The bill has also garnered support from the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, with President Marshall Fisher highlighting the importance of permanently scheduling fentanyl analogues to combat the destruction caused by the drug.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in 2023 alone, nearly 75,000 deaths were attributed to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The House Energy and Commerce Committee has also promoted the bill as a crucial step in addressing the ongoing opioid epidemic.

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The passage of this legislation comes amidst a broader government crackdown on fentanyl under the administration of President Donald Trump. Trump has taken a strong stance against fentanyl trafficking, threatening to impose tariffs on goods entering the United States from Mexico and Canada. While the tariffs were delayed, a 10% tariff on goods from China was implemented as part of the efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.

In conclusion, the permanent classification of fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug marks a significant step in addressing the opioid crisis and holding drug traffickers accountable. The legislation aims to provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to combat the flow of dangerous substances and save lives.

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