Rep. John McGuire Supports the HALT Fentanyl Act

February 6, 2025
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative John McGuire (VA-05), today voted in favor of H.R. 27, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act, legislation that permanently extends President Trump’s 2018 Schedule I classification of fentanyl-related substances.

“Fentanyl is crushing lives and families in Virginia’s Fifth Congressional District, our Commonwealth, and across our country,” said Rep. John McGuire. “I think it’s important to know that according to the most recent data, the number one cause of death for people ages 18-45 in our country is fentanyl overdose. Each year around 76,000 people die from fentanyl overdose – that’s more Americans lost in one year than the number of service members our nation lost during the Vietnam War. This chemical is sourced in China and coming across our southern border via the cartels. Just last year, the Lynchburg Police Department foiled a massive drug ring that included the seizure of over 48,000 pressed fentanyl pills. Our law enforcement officers around Virginia, and the country, are working hard to protect our communities, but they can’t do it alone. The HALT Fentanyl Act will crack down on drug traffickers, and it will support law enforcement. It will also support our practitioners as they look to study the use and abuse of fentanyl. I am proud to support this legislation introduced by fellow Virginian, Congressman Morgan Griffith, and I hope this bill will help our communities and assist medical researchers.”

Background:

  • Rep. McGuire cosponsored this crucial legislation.
     
  • Fentanyl is a potent drug intended for medical use regarding pain management and the alleviation of pain.
     
  • The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies substances and their potential for abuse as a “Schedule.”
     
  • Schedule I drugs are the drugs with the highest potential for abuse, and Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential risk for abuse.
     
  • The Controlled Substances Act notes that Schedule I drugs are substances with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
     
  • The Schedule I designation for fentanyl-related substances is temporary and is set to expire at the end of March.
     
  • The HALT Fentanyl Act ensures that fentanyl-related substances remain listed as Schedule I substances.
     
  • The HALT Fentanyl Act also ensures that practitioners can conduct research on Schedule I and Schedule II drugs.

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