Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama has voted to advance the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act from the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation aims to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. The bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

Senator Britt emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, "American families are counting on Congress to stop the flood of fentanyl into our nation and our communities." She added, "The era of allowing deadly fentanyl to flow into our country is over, and I will work tirelessly to get this bill to President Trump’s desk to save lives from this devastating poison."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that drug overdose deaths are currently the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18-45, with nearly 70% of overdose deaths in 2022 attributed to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

Recently, Senator Britt participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “The Poisoning of America: Fentanyl, its Analogues, and the Need for Permanent Class Scheduling.” During this session, she heard testimonies from individuals like Jamie Puerta, President of Victims of Illicit Drugs, and Bridgette Norring who have lost loved ones due to fentanyl.

Expressing her support for the HALT Fentanyl Act during the hearing, Senator Britt remarked on her commitment: “In my view, we need to be as bold as possible when it comes to taking steps to protecting American children and families from the scourge of fentanyl.”

On the Senate floor, Senator Britt called for congressional action against illicit drug flows. "Daniel and Devin’s stories — and what their families have been through — are nothing less than heartbreaking," she stated. She expressed gratitude towards Jaime Puerta and Bridgette Norring for their courage in sharing their tragic experiences.

Britt criticized governmental failures in preventing fentanyl's entry into the U.S., pledging her efforts as Chair of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. She is also a cosponsor of Senator John Kennedy’s Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act which proposes changes in sentencing thresholds for fentanyl distribution and enhancements in postal chemical screening.

Additionally, during a recent Senate Judiciary executive business meeting, Senator Britt supported advancing Todd Blanche's nomination as Deputy Attorney General and Gail Slater's nomination as Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Division. During their confirmation hearings, she addressed concerns regarding sanctuary cities’ policies undermining public safety.