HALT Fentanyl Act
Legislative Progress
Plain English Summary
AI-generatedPlain-English Summary: HALT Fentanyl Act
The HALT Fentanyl Act (which stands for Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl) makes permanent the federal government's authority to treat fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I controlled substances. Schedule I is the most restrictive drug classification under federal law, meaning these substances are considered to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Previously, this classification had been applied temporarily through a series of emergency orders, but this law makes it a permanent, long-term policy.
The law primarily affects drug manufacturers, distributors, traffickers, and anyone who possesses or sells fentanyl analogs — which are chemical variations of fentanyl that are often engineered to be slightly different from known illegal drugs in order to evade existing laws. By permanently scheduling these substances, the law aims to close legal loopholes that had allowed some fentanyl-related chemicals to temporarily exist in a legal gray area. It also directs the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to follow a streamlined process for scheduling new fentanyl-related substances in the future.
For everyday Americans, this law is largely about addressing the ongoing fentanyl overdose crisis by giving law enforcement more consistent, long-term legal tools to prosecute fentanyl trafficking. People who use or are prescribed legitimate medications will not be affected, as standard medical treatments remain unaffected by this classification.
This summary is AI-generated for informational purposes. Always refer to the official bill text for legal accuracy.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-26.
July 16, 2025
Sponsor
Committees
Legislative History
Signed by President.
Jul 16, 2025Signed by President.
Jul 16, 2025Became Public Law No: 119-26.
Jul 16, 2025Became Public Law No: 119-26.
Jul 16, 2025Presented to President.
Jul 8, 2025Presented to President.
Jul 8, 2025On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 104 (Roll no. 166). (text: 6/11/2025 CR H2625-2627)
Jun 12, 2025Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2806)
Jun 12, 2025Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 321 - 104 (Roll no. 166). (text: 6/11/2025 CR H2625-2627)
Jun 12, 2025Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Jun 12, 2025POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S. 331, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Pallone demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
Jun 11, 2025The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Jun 11, 2025Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 489. (consideration: CR H2625-2633)
Jun 11, 2025Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, H.R. 2096 and S. 331. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, H.R. 2096, and S. 331 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate for each bill. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, and H.R. 2096, and one motion to commit on S. 331.
Jun 11, 2025DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 331.
Jun 11, 2025Rule H. Res. 489 passed House.
Jun 10, 2025Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 489 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, H.R. 2096 and S. 331. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, H.R. 2096, and S. 331 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate for each bill. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 884, H.R. 2056, and H.R. 2096, and one motion to commit on S. 331.
Jun 9, 2025Received in the House.
Mar 18, 2025Held at the desk.
Mar 18, 2025Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 16. Record Vote Number: 127.
Mar 14, 2025Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Mar 14, 2025Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 16. Record Vote Number: 127.
Mar 14, 2025The committee substitute agreed to by Unanimous Consent.
Mar 14, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1762-1765)
Mar 14, 2025Cloture on the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 84 - 15. Record Vote Number: 124. (CR S1735)
Mar 13, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1735)
Mar 13, 2025Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S1659)
Mar 11, 2025Cloture motion on the measure presented in Senate. (CR S1659)
Mar 11, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure agreed to in Senate by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S1623)
Mar 10, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S1623)
Mar 10, 2025Measure laid before Senate by motion.
Mar 10, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S1596)
Mar 6, 2025Cloture on the motion to proceed to the measure invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 82 - 12. Record Vote Number: 110. (CR S1596)
Mar 6, 2025Motion to proceed to measure considered in Senate. (CR S1521)
Mar 5, 2025Cloture motion on the motion to proceed to the measure presented in Senate. (CR S1488)
Mar 4, 2025Motion to proceed to consideration of measure made in Senate. (CR S1488)
Mar 4, 2025Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 18.
Mar 3, 2025Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Mar 3, 2025Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Mar 3, 2025Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Feb 27, 2025Introduced in Senate
Jan 30, 2025Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Jan 30, 2025