Bipartisan House Vote Passes Critical Legislation Creating Access to Treatment, Penalties for Those Peddling Dangerous Drugs
| For Immediate Release May 25, 2023 | Media Contact: Bob Driscoll [email protected] |
(WASHINGTON, DC) – Following today’s bipartisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act (H.R. 467), Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS) President Dr. Kevin Sabet released the following statement applauding Republican and Democratic legislators for heeding his call to action and echoing his appeal urging swift passage of the bill by the U.S. Senate:
“Every day we don’t act, fentanyl takes the lives of more and more Americans. This legislation has several good provisions, including permanently scheduling all fentanyl-related substances not otherwise scheduled into Schedule I, and it will expedite research into fentanyl-related substances. These much-needed changes will benefit those suffering from addiction and substance use disorders, and their loved-ones.
“Individuals suffering with addiction need treatment. Law enforcement needs the tools to hold the cartels who are who are responsible for fueling the overdose epidemic accountable. Bipartisan action moving the HALT Fentanyl Act forward demonstrates that there is broad support to address this deadly scourge on our country.
“Let’s again be clear: the HALT Act isn’t going to create mass incarceration for those who use illicit substances. It will recognize fentanyl and its analogues as the dangerous substances that they are. President Biden has wisely indicated his support for this bill. Senator Schumer should move quickly to take up this important legislation and send it to President Biden for his signature.
“Opponents of this bipartisan common-sense legislation, like the Drug Policy Alliance and Better Organizing to Win Legalization, are making it clear they care more about normalizing drug use than about punishing the cartels and getting people the help they need. No piece of legislation is perfect. We are heartened by the fact that changes have been made to the bill to make researching these analogues easier. The Senate must follow the House’s lead to pass this bill and make marked progress against the drug epidemic that has hurt so many.”