WASHINGTON, DC — On February 6, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) voted in favor of H.R. 27, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) Fentanyl Act. 

The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify fentanyl analogues, which are fentanyl-related substances, as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, which are substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Schedule I designation for fentanyl analogues currently operates on a temporary basis and is set to expire at the end of next month.

“As someone who has lost a family member to the fentanyl crisis, I know that no community is immune from this epidemic,” said Bresnahan. “We could not afford to sit idly by, and I am proud we took this significant action. The HALT Fentanyl Act confronts this crisis head on, protecting our children, families, and neighbors from this dangerous substance.”

One Pennsylvanian dies from a drug overdose every two hours, and in 2023, 76% of overdose-related deaths in Pennsylvania involve fentanyl, according to the office of Representative Bresnahan. Bresnahan’s cousin lost her life to the fentanyl crisis when she was only 16 years old.