River Bend Times

President Trump has signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law, marking a significant step in addressing the fentanyl crisis affecting communities across the United States. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), an original cosponsor of the bill in the House, expressed her support for this legislative development.

"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."

The new law places fentanyl-related substances permanently into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. This move provides consistent authority for law enforcement to seize these compounds and prosecute those who possess them. Previously, traffickers could evade prosecution by altering chemical structures of fentanyl analogues.

Fentanyl has become a leading cause of drug overdose deaths in America. In 2023 alone, over 74,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses involving fentanyl. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin; even a small amount can be fatal.

The HALT Fentanyl Act's key components include:

- Permanent designation of fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I.

- Prevention of traffickers evading prosecution through chemical modifications.

- Support for law enforcement with clear enforcement authority.

- Enablement of scientific research on fentanyl compounds for treatment and prevention efforts.