Buckeye Reporter

 Yesterday, Rep. Chabot (R-OH) joined 116 Republicans on a letter led by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) to President Biden urging the Administration to take immediate action to stem the fentanyl scourge coming from China and across the southern border, and support making fentanyl related substances Schedule 1 classification permanent.

Drug overdoses have claimed more Americans lives each year than ever before. Fentanyl and fentanyl related substances are fueling the overdose epidemic, killing 64,178 Americans between May 2020 and April 2021 and making up 64% of total U.S. overdose deaths. This highly lethal synthetic opioid is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin.

“Fentanyl has flooded across our borders and is the driving force behind the overdose epidemic that has devastated families across the nation. Enacting legislation like my bill, H.R. 1910, the FIGHT Fentanyl Act, would permanently treat fentanyl analogs as Schedule I drugs and would be the tool law enforcement needs to keep our communities safe," said Rep. Steve Chabot.

“Fentanyl kills more people age 18-45 than car accidents, suicide, or COVID-19,” said Rep. Bryan Steil. “We cannot stand by and watch as Americans are being killed by the flood of fentanyl related substances coming into our country.  It is past time for President Biden to take seriously the need to secure our border, and make permanent fentanyl related substances Schedule 1 classification.”

“Joe Biden’s open border policies have allowed criminal drug networks to flood the United States more easily with fentanyl, and now enough of this lethal drug has flowed across our Southern Border to kill every American seven times over. While Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats turn a blind eye to this crisis by blocking critical legislation to classify fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule I drug, I am proud to join my colleagues in demanding President Biden take immediate and permanent action to stop this crisis from worsening,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik.

“Unlike my Republican colleagues and I, the Biden Administration does not believe in securing our southern border which makes my legislation, the SIFT Act, even more critical in order to prevent further loss of life and damage to our communities,” said Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer.

“President Biden’s open border policies have opened the floodgates for fentanyl to flow into our communities—and it’s killing our children. The President needs to start taking real steps to secure our border and stop the fentanyl epidemic. He can start by building the wall and making fentanyl’s schedule 1 classification permanent.” Rep. Sam Graves.

“We are in the middle of a public health crisis. With thousands of unlawful migrants flooding our southern border, cartels are able to go unnoticed as they sneak deadly substances such as fentanyl across our border. Further, it was announced that fentanyl is the #1 killer among Americans ages 18 to 45. It is time for this Administration to stop ignoring the border crisis and step up to address the overdose epidemic,” said Dr. Michael Burgess.

“Just a pinch of fentanyl is enough to kill thousands. But the Administration’s lax policies are allowing fentanyl, and other lethal drugs, to move from China and into our country through the southern border in droves. I’m calling on the Biden Administration to stop the flow of illicit drugs coming into our country and permanently classify Fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug—we have to meaningfully crack down on synthetic drug abuse and stop the mass pain and suffering it is causing American families,” said Rep. Ashley Hinson.

“Deadly drugs like fentanyl have affected thousands of people, damaged families, and devastated communities across the country. Permanently classifying fentanyl as a Schedule I substance will give federal and state governments more options to fight the spread of this lethal drug. Congress can and must act to save lives. I’d like to thank Rep. Steil for leading this letter and calling out the Biden administration for their dangerous open border policies," said Rep. Tedd Budd.

“The Administration ought to be more concerned about the serious impacts their open border policies are having on our communities and loved ones. This explosion of fentanyl entering the U.S. is more proof we need to secure our borders now,” said Rep. Bill Posey.

“The fentanyl crisis is impacting every community, claiming American lives at an unprecedented rate. Fentanyl and derivative substances must remain under Schedule I classification. Failure to maintain that status only benefits those with malign intent. Further, we must secure the southern border, shut down cartel smugglers, and hold China accountable for its role in fentanyl production. We must take action to protect American lives," said Rep. Clay Higgins.

“President Biden’s open-border policies have created a fentanyl crisis—and no community is immune. I regularly meet with Central Washington law enforcement officers whose departments and communities are plagued by this crisis. It is irresponsible for House Democrats and the Biden Administration to repeatedly deflect and ignore calls to address this and assist our law enforcement communities who are on the front lines. It is imperative the Biden Administration take immediate action to protect our communities from this devastating drug, which includes securing our southern border by investing in technology, hiring more customs and border patrol agents, and, most importantly, completing the border wall. That is why just this week I introduced legislation that would restart the much-delayed construction of our southwest border wall,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse.

“Fentanyl is the number one cause of death for people age 18-45,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino. “It is a plague on this country and one that the federal government must use every tool at its disposal to eradicate. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to take a long overdue step and permanently make fentanyl a Schedule 1 substance.”

“It is no secret that our country has been ravaged by an epidemic of opioids and fentanyl abuse for years. Families and communities across the country have been destroyed by opioid abuse and addiction; unfortunately, Iowans are no exception,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “While it is great we are apprehending so many drugs before they reach our communities and border patrol is doing amazing work, we know so much more is slipping across our borders undetected and poisoning our communities. I have visited the border twice and spoken to law enforcement about what we can do to help them. The Administration needs to address the border as the crisis that it is and take it seriously.”

“The opioid epidemic in America continues to harm communities and families across the nation. Fentanyl is a particularly dangerous substance, and it is important law enforcement is properly enabled to combat this crisis,” said Rep. David G. Valadao. “I urge the Biden Administration to permanently classify fentanyl as a Schedule 1 drug to provide the tools needed to stop traffickers of this deadly drug.”

“The Biden administration’s weak stance on border security and drug enforcement has enabled drug traffickers to send enormous amounts of fentanyl into our country, poisoning our streets and killing countless Americans. The carnage and destruction caused by these weak and incompetent policies must end now. I urge the Biden Administration to make fentanyl related substances’ Schedule I classification permanent and begin taking the drug crisis seriously," said Rep Cawthorn.

 “Last year, Customs and Border Protection seized enough fentanyl to kill every American seven times. Amid this unprecedented crisis, I urge the Biden Administration to act quickly in making fentanyl related substances Schedule 1 classification permanent. This is an urgent and commonsense fix,” said Rep. Greg Steube.

“Border security is national security. Criminal cartels have more control over our southern border than our own Border Patrol, allowing fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances to flood our communities and kill Americans. It is time this administration obeys the law and uses enforcement to secure our border, protect American lives, and permanently make fentanyl a Schedule 1 drug,” said Rep. Warren Davidson.

“We have to do everything we can to stop the flow of fentanyl that is ravaging families and communities across the country,” said Rep. Kelly Armstrong. “I appreciate Congressman Steil for his leadership in calling for the permanent scheduling of fentanyl related substances.”

“Chinese producers have exploited Mexico’s trafficking networks through our porous southern border to unleash poison across our communities. Illicit fentanyl is now the number one cause of death of Americans aged 18-45. We don’t need more stolen lives and devastated families. President Biden should be using every tool to hold these drug cartels responsible. Permanently making fentanyl a Schedule I drug to ensure criminals face severe consequences and securing our border is exactly where he should start," said Rep. Steve Womack.

The leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45 is fentanyl and related substances. These tragic deaths are preventable; permanently classifying fentanyl related substances as Schedule 1 drugs helps law enforcement take swift action against traffickers coming into our country and criminals selling on the streets. So many have been affected by drug use in our country, Congress needs to do everything in our power to stop this epidemic from getting any worse," said Rep. Doug LaMalfa.

“As the fentanyl crisis continues and record amounts of this deadly drug are being smuggled across the southern border, we cannot afford to weaken our stance or take tools away from law enforcement,” Rep. Mike Carey said. “That is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in urging the Biden administration to support permanent Schedule 1 classification for fentanyl related substances.”

“Dirtbag drug dealers are killing Americans by cutting marijuana, cocaine, and other recreational drugs with synthetic fentanyl,” Rep. Tim Burchett said. “President Biden should have done something to stop the flow of this deadly drug into our country a long time ago. I’m proud Republicans have solutions, like permanently classifying fentanyl analogs as Schedule I drugs and my Fentanyl Trafficker Elimination Act, to this administration’s inaction.”

“Fentanyl flooding into our country isn’t just affecting border states, it’s touching people in Kansas and across the entire country,” said Rep. Tracey Mann. “In fiscal year 2021 alone fentanyl killed over 64,000 Americans, including Kansans in the Big First District. The Biden Administration refuses to implement border security policies that would help stop this deadly drug coming into our country and killing thousands of Americans each year. My colleagues and I are urging President Biden to act quickly – lives depend on it,” said Rep. Tracey Mann.

“The Biden Administration’s willful neglect in allowing record levels of fentanyl and other deadly drugs to pour into our country is borderline criminal,” Rep. Ben Cline said. “We must protect our communities and rid our streets of dangerous drugs and those who traffic them. I applaud Congressman Steil’s efforts to highlight this important issue.”

“Every day that President Biden refuses to acknowledge the catastrophic consequences of his dismantling of our immigration system is another day that government is failing to put the safety and security of the American people ahead of the profits of Mexican drug cartels. Behind every overdose death are children and parents whose lives will be affected forever, and despite these deaths, President Biden and Vice President Harris seemingly continue to have an open door policy into our country, straining their credibility. With fentanyl pouring into the country, the Biden Administration needs to step up and address this crisis of his making. My colleagues and I are eager to work in a bipartisan manner to secure the border and get deadly fentanyl and other drugs off the streets and out of our communities. I encourage the President to respond to our letter and act immediately on this urgent matter,” said Rep. Glenn Grothman.

“Drug overdoses in America are at record highs. Fentanyl specifically has become the number one killer of young people ages 18-45. In border communities in Arizona, this drug is the leading cause of death among teens. The fentanyl related substances’ Schedule 1 classification should be made permanent to help stem the flow of this lethal drug and protect our communities,” said Rep. Debbie Lesko.

“Every day that this administration refuses to take action on the fentanyl epidemic, American lives are being stolen,” said Rep. Byron Donalds. “No longer can we sit idly as drug traffickers invade our borders. By taking swift action and empowering law enforcement, we can combat this deadly crisis and save American lives.”

“Illegal drug overdoses recently became the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45, claiming more lives per year than car accidents and cancer," said Rep. Mike Johnson. "It is past time to permanently classify illicit fentanyl as an illegal deadly substance under federal law. Doing so will help our law enforcement agencies get control of the crisis that is destroying so many American families and communities.”

“President Biden must make fentanyl and related substances a permanent Schedule 1 narcotic so law enforcement across this country has the tools to stop the deadly spread of this drug,” said Rep. John Moolenaar. “At the same time, Biden must end his open border policies, which have made it easier for drug traffickers to bring drugs across the southern border. Michigan residents who live thousands of miles from the southern border are paying the price as deadly fentanyl is brought in to our communities.”

"The Biden Administration's lack of enforcing our nation's laws has enabled criminal cartels to flood our country with mass amounts of fentanyl-related substances," Rep. Michael Cloud said. "There's an overdose epidemic underway in America and fentanyl is at the heart of it. I'm happy to join Congressman Steil in the call to classify fentanyl-related substances as a permanent Schedule 1 drug."

“Fentanyl is a stark reminder that the consequences of President Biden’s border crisis span far beyond our border states,” said Rep. Carol Miller. “Fentanyl seizures were up 1,066 percent in the last fiscal year. Nearly 65,000 Americans lost their lives due to the drug between May 2020 and April 2021. This is a crisis of indescribable proportions that commands immediate and decisive action. I urge President Biden to stop fentanyl from pouring over our southern border and into our communities before any more American lives are lost.”

“Fentanyl is destroying lives and families across this country. It is critical President Biden confront this fentanyl and overdose crisis head-on. We must use all of our resources to protect the American people from this deadly epidemic," said Rep. Tom Reed.

“The lack of leadership at our southern border has had fatal implications,” said Rep. Scott Fitzgerald. “President Biden’s failure to take action to stem the historic levels of fentanyl seizures at our border is costing American lives. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this letter to urge President Biden to take long-overdue action and permanently designate fentanyl a Schedule 1 drug.”

“The opioid epidemic continues to cause families pain in Wyoming and across the country. I am proud to join my colleagues in urging the Biden Administration to make permanent the Schedule I classification of fentanyl and fentanyl related substances in order to protect our communities from the scourge of fentanyl coming from China and across our southern border. Too many have suffered because of this epidemic, and it is time to secure our border and do everything we can to stop these dangerous substances from impacting our communities,” said Rep. Liz Cheney.

“Synthetic opioids like fentanyl are weapons-grade poisons that are wreaking havoc in communities across the country and inflicting heartbreaking loss on American families,” said Rep. Dave Joyce. “Our nation is facing unprecedented overdose deaths amid a record-breaking fentanyl surge across our southern border. It is imperative that the President does everything in his power to make it easier for law enforcement to seize these dangerous drugs, get them off the streets, and effectively prosecute the criminals that traffic them.”

“My home state of Florida knows the horrors of the fentanyl crisis all too well. Florida has the second highest rate of overdoses in the country, with 30 people in the Tampa Bay area alone dying each week," said Rep. Scott Franklin. "The lion’s share of these overdoses comes from fentanyl manufactured in China and smuggled into our country by Mexican drug cartels who are enabled by the Biden Administration’s open borders policy. The President has the blood of American citizens on his hands. For the good of the nation, he must change course.”

“It’s a difficult statistic to swallow knowing that in 2021, the leading cause of death for Americans 18-45 was fentanyl poisoning,” said Rep. Kat Cammack. “Most of the fentanyl that has entered the U.S. recently has been traced back to our southern border, raising more concerns about this administration’s open border policies. To keep our communities safe, we need to make fentanyl’s Schedule I classification permanent; this is life or death.”

“Drug cartels and traffickers are more emboldened than ever before, and we're seeing record numbers of young people fall victim to fentanyl as a result,” Rep. Malliotakis said. “Right now, fentanyl is the leading cause of death among Americans ages 18-45. Murderers pedaling and lacing drugs with poison must be held accountable to deter them from robbing more precious lives. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances must permanently be added as a Schedule I drug to increase penalties. Without severe consequences, drug traffickers and dealers will only continue to prey on Americans.”

“Fentanyl pouring over the southern border contributed to the deaths of more than 64,000 Americans between May 2020 and April 2021,” said Rep. Troy Balderson. “Failure to curb the flow of drugs is inflicting heartbreak on families here in Ohio and across the country. Turning a blind eye is not an option; it’s time to get this crisis under control.”

Unfortunately, due to the open border policies of this Administration, fentanyl from China is pouring into our country," said Rep. Stephanie Bice. "This lethal drug is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. We must permanently classify fentanyl and its analogs as a Schedule 1 drug.

“With illicit fentanyl flooding across the southern border, every town in Indiana and across the country is a border town. As overdoses reach record-breaking highs, Americans are paying a steep price for the Biden Border Crisis – the workforce is decimated, communities have been shattered, and thousands of families have been torn apart. We cannot allow illicit fentanyl – often originating in China and then trafficked across the southern border – to keep killing our family, friends, and neighbors. President Biden needs to get tough on the violent cartels and drug traffickers that are preying on Americans," said Rep. Jackie Walorski.

“President Biden’s open-border policies and appeasement toward China have promoted a dangerous fentanyl crisis that has claimed tens of thousands of American lives and has further placed our brave law enforcement officers and emergency medical services professionals in harm’s way. This highly lethal drug is wreaking havoc in communities across the country, especially among adolescents and young adults, warranting a swift and forceful response on all fronts. I’m proud to join my colleagues, led by Rep. Steil, in demanding the President reverse his failed policies that are fueling the flood of fentanyl and urging him to support making fentanyl-related substances’ Schedule I classification permanent," said Rep. Andrew Clyde.

“Fentanyl is crossing our southern border at record levels, and with it has come tragedy for communities across the country," said Rep. David Schweikert. "Here in my home State of Arizona this crisis has hit particularly hard, and the impact on our state has been devastating. To combat the fentanyl epidemic, we must give our law enforcement officers all the resources they need to take action and fight this harmful drug, and that starts by making fentanyl related substances a permanent Schedule 1 classification.”

Congressman Emmer said, “Chinese-produced fentanyl smuggled across the southern border has stolen tens of thousands lives over the last year alone. Every day the Biden Administration fails to address this deadly flood we risk losing more Americans to this crisis.”

“The time is now to end the fentanyl epidemic in this country,” said Rep.Tom Rice. “Everyday we hear of someone who overdosed due to this highly lethal substance. We cannot keep letting these drugs cross our border. President Biden needs to secure our border now and make the Schedule 1 classification of fentanyl related substances permanent.”

Fentanyl is a killer drug that pours in through our south border and has taken the lives of so many Americans," said Rep. Ralph Norman. "While Democrats continue to focus on masking five year olds, I am committed to doing everything I can to fight back against this crisis. Preserving the Schedule I classification of fentanyl related substances is a no brainer and a step in the right direction.

"The record amount of fentanyl coming across our wide-open southern border continues to impact families and communities across our nation. In the first six months of 2021, Kansas saw a 54% increase in drug overdoses—half of which were tied to fentanyl," said Rep. Jake LaTurner. "The Biden Administration must take immediate action to stop this crisis and make the Schedule 1 classification for fentanyl-related substances permanent."

“The crisis at our southern border isn’t just about the people entering the US illegally; it’s also about what they’re bringing with them. The Biden Administration’s total neglect of this crisis and feckless approach to border security has allowed enough fentanyl to kill every American seven times over to flow across the border and into our communities. If we don’t secure our border and permanently classify this deadly substance as a Schedule 1 narcotic, we will only see more tragedy and despair throughout our nation,” said Rep. Lee Zeldin.

“Fentanyl overdoses and deaths have skyrocketed in the United States – due in large part to the Biden administration’s open border policies that have allowed drug traffickers to bring record amounts of fentanyl across our southern border and into our communities,” Rep. Chris Jacobs said. “I am proud to join this effort to call for additional resources to made available to stop the flow of this deadly drug and end the opioid epidemic in our nation.”

“Fentanyl is pouring across our southern border caused by the Biden Administration's failed policies. We are staring into the face of our deadliest drug crisis, as families are torn apart across Texas and all of the US from the tragic consequences of this drug. President Biden must give our law enforcement the tools they need to address this threat in our communities,” said Rep. August Pfluger.

Background:

Fentanyl related substances have been on a temporary scheduling for Schedule I classification. The Schedule I classification will expire February 18, 2022 when government funding expires. The letter seeks to make the Schedule I classification of fentanyl and fentanyl related substances permanent, meaning no medical benefit for this drug.