Bipartisan Support for HALT Fentanyl Act a Victory for Public Health and National Security

Strategic Insights -

In a move to tackle the growing threat of fentanyl, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) backed the passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331), which permanently reschedules fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The bill maintains access to FDA-approved uses of fentanyl while giving law enforcement the tools to effectively prosecute manufacturers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl. The House approved the bill by a vote of 321-104, with bipartisan support. "Fentanyl continues to hurt communities across America and tear apart families," Congressman Bishop emphasized. "This bill helps in our fight against this public health emergency and threat to our national security."

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) supported the HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331), which permanently reschedules fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970.
  • The bill maintains access to FDA-approved uses of fentanyl while empowering law enforcement to prosecute manufacturers and traffickers of illicit fentanyl.
  • The House approved the bill by a 321-104 vote, with bipartisan support.
  • Congressman Bishop cited the devastating impact of fentanyl on communities and families, emphasizing the need for bipartisan action to combat this public health emergency.
  • The Blue Dog Coalition, a bipartisan group of fiscally responsible Democrats, played a crucial role in urging Republican leaders to bring the bill to a vote.
  • The bill was passed by the U.S. Senate in March and heads to the President for signature.

Statistics:

  • The House voted 321-104 in favor of the HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331).
  • 104 members of the House voted against the bill.
  • The direct impact of fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths not explicitly stated in this text.
  • The HALT Fentanyl Act aims to combat the threat of fentanyl, which is considered a public health emergency.

Sources:

  • Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02)
  • United States House of Representatives
  • Congressional Blue Dog Coalition
  • U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson
  • March (no specific date mentioned) - U.S. Senate passing of the HALT Fentanyl Act (S. 331)