Grieving parents slam Dems for opposition to bipartisan fentanyl bill

Democrats in Congress are facing criticism for their opposition to bipartisan legislation aimed at closing loopholes in U.S. drug laws that are being exploited by fentanyl traffickers. The HALT Fentanyl Act, which seeks to make the temporary Schedule I classification for fentanyl analogs permanent, has been met with resistance from a drug policy nonprofit backed by George Soros. This nonprofit argues that the bill will lead to increased mass incarceration and hinder research on these types of opioids.

Prominent Democrats, such as Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, have echoed these concerns and have actively worked to impede the passage of the HALT Act through various amendments and procedural tactics. During a recent Senate floor session, Booker expressed his belief that the bill will result in harsher penalties for drug offenses and emphasized the need for comprehensive action beyond just scheduling.

However, families who have tragically lost loved ones to fentanyl overdoses are urging Congress to move forward with the HALT Act. Parents like Jaime Puerta and Lauri Badura, who have experienced the devastating impact of fentanyl firsthand, are calling on lawmakers to prioritize public safety and address the growing crisis of fentanyl-related deaths.

Despite the arguments put forth by Democrats and the Drug Policy Alliance, experts like Keith Humphreys from Stanford University believe that the concerns about increased incarceration rates and research limitations are unfounded. Humphreys suggests that the HALT Act could actually streamline the research process for Schedule I substances, allowing more scientists to study fentanyl analogs and potentially develop new overdose medications.

The sponsors of the HALT Act, including Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sens. Chuck Grassley and Martin Heinrich, emphasize the importance of taking decisive action to combat the opioid crisis and hold drug traffickers accountable. Cassidy, a former physician, highlights the urgent need for permanent solutions to confront the criminals who are fueling the epidemic of deadly drugs in communities across the country.

While some Democrats like Booker are calling for broader measures to address the fentanyl crisis, it is clear that the HALT Act represents a crucial step towards prioritizing public health and safety. As Congress navigates the complexities of drug policy reform, it is essential to consider the voices of those directly impacted by the fentanyl epidemic and work towards comprehensive solutions that will save lives and protect communities.