Sioux City Times

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the HALT Fentanyl Act, which aims to classify all fentanyl-related substances under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act permanently. This legislative move is intended to aid law enforcement in confiscating fentanyl and similar lethal drugs at borders and nationwide.

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra from Hull supported the bill, emphasizing its importance due to rising overdose deaths linked to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. "In 2023, more than 107,000 Americans died from a drug overdose – 75,000 of whom were killed by synthetic opioids like fentanyl – and fentanyl poising is now the leading cause of death for Americans between 18 and 49 years old. It’s tragic and unacceptable," stated Rep. Feenstra.

Feenstra highlighted his commitment to tackling drug trafficking and supporting law enforcement with necessary tools to combat these issues. He remarked on the leadership during President Trump's administration in addressing border security and combating drug cartels: “I voted for the HALT Fentanyl Act to hold dangerous drug traffickers accountable for their crimes and equip our law enforcement officials with the tools that they need to confiscate deadly drugs, protect our families, and save lives. Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to lock down our border, take on the drug cartels, support our border patrol agents 100%, and keep deadly drugs out of our communities.”