Ernst-Supported Bill to Halt Fentanyl Passes Senate

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) voted to pass theHalt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, which she cosponsors.
To stop the spread of this deadly drug and save American lives, this legislation permanently classifies all fentanyl-related substances as illegal under Schedule I – drugs that have a high potential for abuse and no medical use – and enables law enforcement authorities to target fentanyl traffickers, no matter how much they chemically tweak their products to take advantage of a legal loophole.
“Fentanyl has taken the lives of too many Iowans,”Ernst said.“After working for years to end the flow of this deadly substance across our borders, I’m proud to take action today and create real change, so fentanyl can no longer spread in our communities.”
Fentanyl is up to100 timesmore potent than morphine and is often mixed with other drugs, such as heroin and counterfeit prescription pills, leading to accidental overdoses.
Background:
After visiting the southern border, Ernstworkedto increase penalties on individuals who fuel the border crisis and fentanyl epidemic.
Ernst’sbipartisan solutionto address the fentanyl crisis was also included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.
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