The Warren Sun

On February 2, 2025, Representative John James from Michigan's 10th District voted in favor of the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act. The bill successfully passed the House of Representatives with bipartisan support. The HALT Fentanyl Act aims to address the increasing issue of illicit fentanyl trafficking, which has severely impacted communities across the United States, including those in Michigan.

The legislation includes several measures: it classifies fentanyl as a Schedule I substance, increases penalties for its sale or distribution with mandatory minimum sentences, and enhances research efforts into fentanyl and other Schedule I substances.

In Michigan alone, there were 2,997 drug overdose deaths in 2022, predominantly due to fentanyl. This figure surpasses the total number of U.S. military deaths in Afghanistan over two decades. Nationally, the U.S. recorded over 107,941 overdose deaths in 2022.

Following his vote for the bill, Rep. James stated: “Fentanyl is a scourge on our nation, leaving a trail of heartbreak and destruction in its wake. Just last year, officers in Clinton Township and Southeast Michigan seized over 41 kilos of fentanyl—enough to kill every man, woman, and child in Michigan. We cannot allow this poison to continue tearing apart families. I’m proud that House Republicans are once again leading the fight to protect our communities and eliminate fentanyl from our streets.”

Congressman James has been active in addressing the opioid crisis through previous legislative efforts such as introducing the Fentanyl Reduction Engrained by Economic Deterrence (FREED) Act and advocating for the Road to Recovery Act.