Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) voted in favor of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act.  The bill guarantees law enforcement has the resources to keep these drugs off the street and allows for further research of FRS.

“Our nation has been plagued by illicit fentanyl pouring across our border into our communities,” said Rep. Weber. “Families are devastated, and lives are forever changed by this dangerous drug being muled here from Mexico and, even worse, China. I am proud to pass this bill to save lives, halt fentanyl, and stop criminals from pushing these poisons onto our children.”

Background: 

Currently, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues temporarily fall under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to a temporary scheduling order that runs through Dec. 31, 2024. The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently place fentanyl analogues into Schedule I of the CSA, simplify registration processes for certain research with Schedule I substances, remove barriers that currently impede such work, and provide for an exemption of individual analogues from Schedule I when evidence demonstrates it is appropriate.