Staff Reports
The Democrats have once again shown that they care more about drug dealers and criminals than they do about the safety of American citizens. The HALT Fentanyl Act, introduced by Republican Reps. Morgan Griffith of Virginia and Bob Latta of Ohio, would designate derivatives of deadly fentanyl as Schedule I narcotic drugs under federal law, greatly increasing civil and criminal penalties for its use and distribution.
The House is making Fentanyl penalties stifferhttps://t.co/BAZoaJei6u
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) May 25, 2023
In the face of overwhelming evidence that fentanyl is responsible for the majority of drug overdoses, it’s inexplicable that the Democrats would object to this important legislation, yet 74 still voted in favor of the bill. These left-leaning groups have opposed the bill, claiming that it would create mass incarceration and racial disparities in the prison system, one has to wonder what the real motives behind this opposition were.
In 2022, an estimated 109,680 people died of drug overdoses. 75,000 of those deaths were fentanyl-related.
House Republicans have a solution: the HALT Fentanyl Act. pic.twitter.com/a4iMPIVG77
— Elise Stefanik (@EliseStefanik) May 24, 2023
The Biden Administration, however, has backed the bill – a rare moment of common sense from the Democrats. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) described the bill as one of the “critical components” of the administration’s drug policy, saying it’s necessary to “improve public safety and save lives.” It’s great to see that even the Democrats are starting to realize that tough laws are needed to stem the tide of illegal drug use and addiction ravaging our society.
The HALT Fentanyl Act doesn’t just increase penalties for drug use and possession, however. It also includes provisions for the faster permit issuance for researchers studying fentanyl-related substances, which could help us better understand how to use these substances for medicinal purposes. In other words, the bill does more than just increase punishments – it helps us find new ways to stop the spread of fentanyl and save lives.
It’s vital that this legislation pass, and we’re proud to see that Republicans have once again stepped up to keep Americans safe. We urge the Senate to follow the House’s lead and pass this crucial bill.
