Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jodey Arrington (TX-19) released the following statement on H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act.

“President Biden’s failure to prioritize the safety and security of the American people has had devastating effects on families and communities throughout the country, with over 100,000 Americans dying of drug overdoses in 2021. The vast majority of these deaths were caused by fentanyl, which originates in China and infiltrates the US through the drug cartels who have seized control of our border. The HALT Fentanyl Act will prevent cartels from skirting the law by scheduling all fentanyl related substances as a Schedule 1," said Rep. Arrington.  

Background:

• Currently, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues temporarily fall under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to a temporary scheduling order that runs through Dec. 31, 2024.
• Due to the increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, the HALT Fentanyl Act will:
  • Address the permanent scheduling of fentanyl analogues in the Schedule I category, as well as grant researchers the ability to conduct studies on these substances.
  • Closely track recommendations to Congress submitted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in September 2021.
  • Permanently place fentanyl analogues into Schedule I of the CSAs
  • Simplify registration processes for certain research with Schedule I substances, removing barriers that currently impede such work.
  • Provide for exemption of individual analogues from Schedule I when evidence demonstrates it is appropriate.

###