Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HR39

Introduced
1/17/23  
Refer
1/17/23  

Caption

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such.

Impact

If passed, this resolution aims to prompt the President to classify synthetic illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction and would intend to schedule these substances under stricter drug control laws. This classification could significantly impact enforcement and legislative actions relating to drug trafficking and the provision of resources to combat the opioid crisis. Additionally, classifying fentanyl in this manner could lead to increased federal intervention in state and local drug policies, influencing how communities manage substance-related issues.

Summary

House Resolution 39 expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances should be classified as a weapon of mass destruction. This resolution emphasizes the urgency and severity of the fentanyl crisis, highlighting the dangerous nature of synthetic opioids and their role in exacerbating the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. It notes that a single kilogram of illicit fentanyl can lead to the deaths of 500,000 individuals, reflecting the critical public health issue at hand.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HR39 focuses on the balance between public health measures and civil liberties. Proponents argue that classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction is necessary to address the growing sophistication of trafficking operations and to provide a stronger legal framework for combatting opioid-related fatalities. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about potential overreach and the implications for individuals caught in the drug crisis, emphasizing the need for treatment and prevention rather than solely punitive measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB128

Fentanyl is a WMD ActThis bill requires the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security to treat illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

US HB171

Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act or the HALT Fentanyl Act This bill places fentanyl-related substances as a class into schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. A schedule I controlled substance is a drug, substance, or chemical that has a high potential for abuse; has no currently accepted medical value; and is subject to regulatory controls and administrative, civil, and criminal penalties under the Controlled Substances Act. Additionally, the bill establishes a new, alternative registration process for schedule I research that is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services or the Department of Veterans Affairs or that is conducted under an investigative new drug exemption from the Food and Drug Administration. The bill also makes several other changes to registration requirements for conducting research with controlled substances, including permitting a single registration for related research sites in certain circumstances, waiving the requirement for a new inspection in certain situations, and allowing a registered researcher to perform certain manufacturing activities with small quantities of a substance without obtaining a manufacturing registration.

US HR510

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Parthenon Marbles should be returned to Greece.

US HB3570

Comprehensive Response to Fentanyl-Related Substances and Fentanyl-Laced Substances Act

US HR9

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that China is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic and must be held financially liable for $16,000,000,000,000.

US HR378

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the Federal workforce.

US HR332

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on Ukrainian victory.

US HR322

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on Ukrainian victory.

US HR85

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma.

US HR577

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that authorities under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire.

Similar Bills

CA AB1673

California Fentanyl Abuse Task Force.

CA SB19

Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.

CA AB33

Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force.

CA AB3224

California Fentanyl Abuse Task Force.

CA AB675

Controlled substances.

CA AB2341

Criminal procedure: sentencing credits.

CA AB3171

Controlled substances: fentanyl.

CA SB325

Controlled substances: fentanyl.