HALT Fentanyl
Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 - 49, according to a Washington Post analysis of death data for 2021 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It affects every income level in every demographic in every corner of the country. Even in Minnesota's rural and relatively safe 7th District, one of the top issues I hear from law enforcement officers is about the dire need to get a handle on fentanyl overdoses. It is a heartbreaking epidemic that must be stopped.
House Republicans, along with President Trump are committed to ending this tragic crisis. This week, the House passed the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (or HALT) Fentanyl Act. This legislation would permanently classify fentanyl, or anything mixed with it, as a Schedule I drug. It would supply law enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) with the tools needed to keep these dangerous drugs off the streets. And, it would support research efforts to understand the effects of fentanyl-related substances on people's health. |