Armstrong Joins Letter to Biden Calling for Action on Fentanyl

Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) joined Congressman Bryan Steil (R-WI) and 115 Republicans in sending a letter 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.

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

"Fentanyl kills more people age 18-45 than car accidents, suicide, or COVID-19," said Congressman 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."

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.

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