Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB128

Introduced
1/3/25  
Refer
1/3/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly modify existing frameworks within the Department of Homeland Security to prioritize the fight against fentanyl. It may enhance federal oversight and enable law enforcement agencies to respond more effectively by treating fentanyl-related incidents with the gravity usually reserved for national security threats. This could lead to increased funding for prevention, interdiction, and treatment programs aimed at minimizing the devastating impacts of fentanyl on communities across the country.

Summary

House Bill 128, titled the 'Fentanyl is a WMD Act', proposes that illicit fentanyl be classified as a weapon of mass destruction by the Assistant Secretary for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction within the Department of Homeland Security. This classification aims to address the critical public health crisis associated with fentanyl, which has claimed numerous lives due to its potency and increasing presence in illicit drug markets. By categorizing it as a WMD, the bill seeks to enhance federal response mechanisms and resource allocation to combat the trafficking and distribution of fentanyl and similar substances.

Contention

There is likely to be discussion regarding the implications of labeling fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction. Critics might argue that this classification could lead to an over militarization of the response to drug trafficking and addiction, while proponents will contend that it is a necessary step to tackle a public health emergency effectively. The bill may also spark discussions about potential legal ramifications and changes to criminal justice approaches concerning drug possession and distribution, especially regarding individuals grappling with addiction.

Congress_id

119-HR-128

Policy_area

Emergency Management

Introduced_date

2025-01-03

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB1798

Offices of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction and Health Security Act of 2023

US HB3224

Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Extension Act of 2023

US HB8197

CBW Fentanyl Act Countering Beijing’s Weaponization of Fentanyl Act

US HR39

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.

US HB5713

Homeland Security Fentanyl Enforcement Act

US HB7190

Fentanyl is a WMD Act

US SB4419

DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

US HB5448

Countering CCP Fentanyl Trafficking Act

US HB2947

Justice Against Sponsors of Illicit Fentanyl Act of 2023

US SB5426

DETECT Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024 Detection Equipment and Technology Evaluation to Counter the Threat of Fentanyl and Xylazine Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.