House Rules Committee approves rule for HALT Fentanyl Act after debate over scheduling, research and funding freeze

The House Committee on Rules voted to report a structured rule for HR 27, the HALT All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act, clearing the bill for floor consideration after a day of debate that focused on permanently scheduling fentanyl analogs, research exemptions for scientists, mandatory minimum sentences and an administration funding freeze that members said could disrupt opioid treatment programs.

The measure reported by the committee would make the temporary Schedule I classification for fentanyl-related substances permanent, and includes language intended to streamline research access for qualified investigators. Supporters said the change would prevent traffickers from evading prosecution by slightly altering a molecule, while opponents warned the approach could increase mandatory minimum penalties and would not, by itself, expand treatment, interdiction at ports of entry, or prevention efforts.

Representative Griffith, who introduced the bill to the committee, said the legislation "will have no impact whatsoever on a physician's ability to administer fentanyl in medical settings" and that Congress should act before existing temporary scheduling orders expire. Griffith and other supporters cited a U.S. Drug Enforcement…