Senate Passes HALT Fentanyl Act, Permanently Classifying Fentanyl Substances

The U.S. Senate has passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, a bipartisan bill that permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, with a vote of 84-16. This legislation aims to close loopholes exploited by traffickers who modify the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade law enforcement. Supporters, including Senator Bill Cassidy, argue it will provide law enforcement with the tools needed to combat the fentanyl crisis, which led to 74,000 overdose deaths in 2023. Critics, primarily Democrats, have expressed concerns that the bill could escalate mass incarceration and hinder research on fentanyl analogs. The legislation now heads to the House for approval before being sent to President Trump, who is expected to sign it. The Act establishes mandatory minimum sentences for those convicted of trafficking fentanyl-related substances, tightening penalties significantly.