Controversy Surrounds Fentanyl Legislation in the House

The House passed a bill that would permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, subject to the toughest federal prison terms and penalties, with 132 Democrats opposing the bill. Democrats argued that the penalties would fall unfairly on minorities and that community-based solutions are needed to deal with fentanyl and FRS. Republicans dismissed these worries and said tough penalties against FRS need to be made permanent because tens of thousands of Americans are dying every year due to fentanyl or FRS overdoses. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is likely to stall despite White House support given broad opposition in the House among Democrats.