Congressman Nick Begich Applauds Passage of H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 6, 2025 – Congressman Nick Begich (R-AK) voted to pass H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act, legislation that permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. Congressman Begich co-sponsored this critical bill to ensure law enforcement has the necessary tools to combat the deadly fentanyl crisis that continues to devastate communities across the country, including Alaska.

“Illicit fentanyl is poisoning our communities and taking far too many lives,” said Congressman Begich. “In Alaska, we have seen a tragic rise in fentanyl-related overdoses, tearing families apart and placing an immense burden on our law enforcement and first responders. The passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act is a crucial step in ensuring law enforcement can do their jobs effectively and keep these lethal substances off our streets.”

In Alaska, fentanyl-related deaths have surged in recent years, with law enforcement officials seizing record amounts of the drug flowing into the state. Without permanent classification under Schedule I, drug traffickers would be free to modify fentanyl’s chemical structure to evade prosecution, exacerbating the crisis and putting more lives at risk.

The HALT Fentanyl Act makes the existing emergency scheduling of fentanyl-related substances permanent, preventing these deadly drugs from becoming street-legal and ensuring law enforcement retains the authority to seize them at the border and in communities nationwide.

Congressman Begich remains committed to supporting law enforcement and protecting Alaskans from the dangers of illicit drugs. The passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act is a significant victory in the fight against fentanyl and a step toward a safer and more secure America.

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