Findlay Times

Congressmen Bob Latta and Morgan Griffith have emphasized the need for Congress to advance the HALT Fentanyl Act in an op-ed published in The Washington Times. The bill, which aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I narcotics, was approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee in March 2023 and passed by the U.S. House in May 2023.

The proposed legislation has garnered support from both the Biden administration and key agencies like the DEA and Customs and Border Protection. Despite this, it remains stalled in the Senate. Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, attempted to push the bill forward earlier this year but faced objections from Democrats.

Latta and Griffith argue that there is no reason for Senate Democrats not to advance the bill, noting its broad bipartisan backing. They also expressed surprise at a recent proposal from the Biden administration that mirrors their bill's objectives but lacks a research component.

In their op-ed, they state: "As members of Congress who care deeply about the state of our country and the health and well-being of the American people, we will continue to call on the Senate to bring forward the HALT Fentanyl Act for a vote."

They urge prompt action on this legislation to address what they describe as a critical issue affecting many families across America.