Miller-Meeks Backed HALT Fentanyl Act Signed Into Law by President Trump

Washington, D.C. - President Donald 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, praised the president’s action.

“President Trump just signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, and it could not come at a more critical time,” said Miller-Meeks. “This deadly drug has taken far too many lives in Iowa and across the country. Iowans have buried their sons and daughters because of fentanyl, and families are pleading for action. As an original cosponsor, I was proud to help lead the charge on this legislation. This bill gives law enforcement the power to act, shuts down the loopholes traffickers exploit, and saves lives. We are sending a clear message: we will not let fentanyl destroy another family or another community.”

Background:

The HALT Fentanyl Act permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, closing loopholes that previously allowed traffickers to alter chemical compounds and avoid prosecution. It also provides a streamlined path for researchers to study fentanyl analogues for potential treatment and overdose prevention options.

Fentanyl remains the leading cause of overdose death in the United States, claiming more lives than any other drug. In 2024 alone, more than 80,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses, with fentanyl and its analogues driving the epidemic.

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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