Southern Wisconsin Times

WASHINGTON, DC – On May 25, Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) released a statement after voting to pass H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation that permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, guaranteeing law enforcement has the resources to keep these drugs off the street, and allows for further research of these substances.

“Illicit fentanyl continues to devastate our communities,” said Steil. “Illicit fentanyl is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 18-45. Current law fails to treat fentanyl with the seriousness that it deserves. This is a common-sense step to address the increase in fentanyl related overdose deaths we see across Wisconsin and give our local officials the resources they need to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets.”  

Background: 

The HALT Fentanyl Act places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A Schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule I research that is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs or that is conducted under an investigative new drug exemption from the Food and Drug Administration.

Steil has been a leader in the effort to stop the fentanyl crisis. Steil has hosted numerous roundtables focused on fighting fentanyl in Racine County, Kenosha County, and Rock County. Steil has long advocated for permanently classifying fentanyl-related substances (FRS) in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and is a cosponsor of the HALT Fentanyl Act. 

Last year, Steil led 116 of his colleagues in a letter demanding that the Biden Administration take action on fentanyl. To read the full text of the letter click here.

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Public Safety

Original source can be found here.