Sen. Gallego, bipartisan colleagues introduced the legislation in January
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed the bipartisan Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act, backed by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). The legislation permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act and gives law enforcement the tools they need to keep extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets and streamline scientific research on these substances. The bill will now head to the president’s desk to be signed into law.
“I’m thrilled that the bipartisan HALT Fentanyl Act has passed because it brings us one step closer to tackling the fentanyl crisis that is devastating families and communities in Arizona. This isn’t a partisan issue — it’s about saving lives. I’m proud that my Senate colleagues came together to take action,” said Senator Gallego. “This legislation gives law enforcement the tools they need to go after traffickers and keep fentanyl out of our communities, so no family has to endure the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl.”
The bipartisan legislation was led by Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
Fentanyl-related substances contributed to nearly 75,000 overdose deaths in 2023. Traffickers have exploited legal loopholes to evade prosecution, prompting repeated temporary scheduling extensions by Congress. The HALT Fentanyl Act would close these loopholes permanently.
The Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act would:
- Classify all illicitly manufactured FRS as Schedule I drugs, ensuring clear and enforceable penalties under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- Impose mandatory minimum penalties of 5 years for 10 grams or more and 10 years for 100 grams or more; discretionary maximum penalties of 40 years for 10 grams or more and life for 100 grams or more.
- Streamline the registration process for studying Schedule I substances, allowing researchers to better understand and address the fentanyl crisis.