Thursday, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) issued the following statement after voting for H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation that passed the U.S. House of Representatives today:
“Talk to any sheriff or law enforcement official in Indiana or across America, and they will tell you that illegal fentanyl is one of the gravest and most difficult challenges they face.
“The massive influx of fentanyl into our country– much of which is pouring through our southern border – is fueling addiction, devastating families and communities, and killing Americans.
“The bipartisan bill we passed out of the House today is a much needed step to giving law enforcement the tools they need to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets and ultimately, save lives.”
Background:
- Illicit fentanyl poisonings are now the number one cause of death among adults 18-49—more than COVID-19, cancer, heart disease, and car accidents.
- In 2022, more than 109,000 people died of drug overdoses; roughly 75,000 of whom died from synthetic opioids—largely illicit fentanyl or fentanyl-related substances.
- Under current law, the emergency scheduling order that allows fentanyl-related substances to be classified under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act is set to expire on December 31, 2024.
- H.R. 467 would permanently place fentanyl related substances onto Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and simplify the registration process for research relating to Schedule I substances.
- Substances placed on Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act have the high potential for abuse, no current medical value, and are subject to regulatory controls and criminal penalties.
