LaLota Votes to Protect Long Island Families and Combat Illicit Fentanyl

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Nick LaLota (NY-01), released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 27 the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, strengthening Law Enforcement’s ability to prosecute traffickers, disrupt supply chains and impose stricter penalties on those distributing these lethal substances. 

“Too many Long Island families have been devastated by the fentanyl crisis, and it’s past time for bold action,” said LaLota. “Since day one, I’ve made it a priority to address this public health emergency with bipartisan solutions. I’m proud to see the HALT Fentanyl Act pass today, giving Law Enforcement the tools they need to combat these deadly drugs and protect families across Suffolk County.”

To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

Background: 

The H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently schedule all fentanyl-related substances (FRS) not otherwise scheduled into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act as a class and expedite research into fentanyl-related substances.

Currently, fentanyl and fentanyl analogues temporarily fall under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) due to a temporary scheduling order that runs through Dec. 31st, 2024. Due to the increase in overdose deaths related to fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, this bill will address the permanent scheduling of fentanyl analogues in the Schedule I category, as well as grant researchers the ability to conduct studies on these substances.

The H.R. 27 HALT Fentanyl Act closely tracks recommendations to Congress submitted by the Office of National Drug Control Policy in September 2021. It would permanently place fentanyl analogues into Schedule I of the CSA, simplify registration processes for certain research with Schedule I substances, removing barriers that currently impede such work, and provide for exemption of individual analogues from Schedule I when evidence demonstrates it is appropriate.

On May 22nd, 2023, the White House released a Statement of Administration Policy in SUPPORT of the H.R. 467 HALT Fentanyl Act.