Illicit fentanyl is one of the greatest threats we face as a nation. It is the number one cause of death for people ages 18-49. In Washington state alone, overdose deaths have increased by more than 108 percent – the second largest increase in the United States. This level of devastation is a call for action to save lives. 

Today, the House of Representatives came together to answer that call by passing the HALT Fentanyl Act. This crucial bill will permanently make fentanyl related substances a Schedule 1 drug to prevent them from becoming street legal and giving law enforcement the tools they need to seize these poisons and keep our communities safe. 

You can watch me speak on the House Floor yesterday on why this bill is so important here:

I’m extremely grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for coming together for a more secure future for every community in America. I hope the Senate follows our bipartisan lead and sends this bill to the president’s desk to be signed into law.

To learn more about what the HALT Fentanyl Act means for Eastern Washington, check out the stories below:

KXLY – House of Representatives passes HALT Fentanyl Act

Spokesman Review – House passes bill backed by McMorris Rodgers, Biden to crack down on fentanyl

Walla Walla Union Bulletin – Cathy McMorris Rodgers supports bill to classify fentanyl as Schedule 1 drug

KHQ – Legislation to combat fentanyl overdoses passes US House with bipartisan support

KREM – U.S. House passes HALT Fentanyl Act, Spokane residents react

KAPP – “HALT Fentanyl Act” passing the House

KNDO – House passes HALT fentanyl act