All Roll Calls
Yes: 571 • No: 147
119-s-331119th CongressWALLET
HALT Fentanyl Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Became Law
Summary
Permanently places fentanyl-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act and creates a faster, clearer registration process for researchers studying those substances. The law also broadens import/export controls and aligns criminal penalties with existing fentanyl-analogue thresholds.
Show full summary
- Researchers: Establishes an expedited electronic notice and registration pathway for Schedule I research, allows limited manufacturing for research under tight quantity limits, permits one registration for related sites, and sets agency action timelines including a 45-day response window and a 90-day filing rule when a substance is newly scheduled.
- Courts and people charged with trafficking: Treats fentanyl-related substances the same as fentanyl analogues for quantity thresholds and penalties. For example, offenses involving 100 grams or more can trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum prison term.
- Regulators and importers: Expands import/export analogue coverage to explicitly include fentanyl-related substances and lets the Attorney General publish a public list of covered substances and issue interim final rules within six months.
An Inspector General report on the new research procedures is required within one year.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Class-wide ban and penalties for fentanyl-like drugs
The law makes any chemical that fits the new fentanyl‑related substance definition a Schedule I drug. Any mix that contains any amount is covered, unless it is exempted or placed in another schedule. The Attorney General may post a list, but a drug is still illegal even if not listed. Criminal and import/export penalties now explicitly apply to fentanyl‑related substances. These changes take effect on enactment.
Faster path for Schedule I research
Researchers can start certain Schedule I studies 30 days after they send a notice to the Attorney General. If not already registered, that notice counts as the application; the Attorney General must approve or issue an order to show cause within 45 days of a complete notice. When a drug becomes Schedule I, active researchers have 90 days to file and may keep working while the agency decides; any hearing must be held within 45 days if requested. Notices are filed electronically. Possession is limited to the amounts listed in the notice; extra amounts need a short supplemental notice. A single registration can cover related sites in the same city or county and cover agents at the same institution with notice. Small‑quantity manufacturing for research is allowed if disclosed; growing marijuana is not allowed. Adding a second substance in the same or higher schedule does not require a new inspection.
Attorney General issues rules within six months
The Attorney General must issue rules to carry out this law within six months of enactment. Interim final rules can take effect immediately without a good‑cause finding. People can comment and ask for a hearing on those interim rules. After that, a final rule is issued under normal procedures.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
LA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]
NM • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
IA • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS]
KS • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Rounds, Mike [R-SD]
SD • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Schmitt, Eric [R-MO]
MO • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
LA • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
NV • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Sen. Hawley, Josh [R-MO]
MO • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX]
TX • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Britt, Katie Boyd [R-AL]
AL • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
UT • R
Sponsored 2/3/2025
Sen. Moody, Ashley [R-FL]
FL • R
Sponsored 2/11/2025
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]
ME • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
AK • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]
NE • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Sen. Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
IA • R
Sponsored 3/10/2025
Sen. Hyde-Smith, Cindy [R-MS]
MS • R
Sponsored 3/11/2025
Roll Call Votes
house vote • 6/12/2025
On Passage
Yes: 321 • No: 104
senate vote • 3/14/2025
On Passage of the Bill S. 331
Yes: 84 • No: 16
senate vote • 3/13/2025
On the Cloture Motion S. 331
Yes: 84 • No: 15
senate vote • 3/6/2025
On Cloture on the Motion to Proceed S. 331
Yes: 82 • No: 12