Miller-Meeks Backed HALT Fentanyl Act Signed Into Law by President Trump
Washington, D.C. - President Trump has officially signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, delivering a major win in the fight to stop fentanyl from devastating American communities.
Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), an original cosponsor of the bill in the House had this to say:
"President Trump has signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, and it could not come at a more urgent time," said Miller-Meeks. "Fentanyl is flooding our streets, killing Iowans, and tearing families apart. As an original cosponsor in the House, I was proud to help lead the fight to get this bill across the finish line. With this law in place, we’re going on offense. We’re giving law enforcement what they need to crack down, take control, and stop this poison from claiming more lives."
Background:
The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently places fentanyl-related substances (FRS) into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, giving law enforcement the consistent authority needed to seize and prosecute those in possession of these lethal compounds. Prior to this law, drug traffickers were able to skirt prosecution by making slight modifications to the chemical structure of fentanyl analogues.
Fentanyl is now the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. In 2023 alone, more than 74,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses, most involving fentanyl. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and just 2 milligrams, about the weight of a few grains of salt, can be fatal.
The HALT Fentanyl Act:
- Permanently designates fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I
- Prevents traffickers from evading prosecution by modifying chemical structures
- Supports law enforcement and prosecutors with clear, consistent enforcement authority
- Enables scientific research on fentanyl compounds to support treatment and prevention
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