President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act into law on Wednesday. The move delivers on a key promise to strengthen America’s fight against the deadly opioid crisis.
The legislation imposes tougher penalties on fentanyl traffickers. It also permanently categorizes all fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs under federal law.
At a White House ceremony, Trump was joined by lawmakers and families affected by fentanyl overdoses. He called the new law a “historic step toward justice for every family touched by the fentanyl scourge.”
“We’ll be getting the drug dealers, pushers, and peddlers off our street,” Trump said. “And we will not rest until we have ended the drug overdose epidemic. It’s been getting a little bit better, but it’s horrible.”
The HALT Fentanyl Act—short for Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl—passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. It gives law enforcement more power to prosecute criminals dealing synthetic fentanyl variants.
The law also closes legal loopholes that cartels previously exploited. Many traffickers altered the chemical makeup of fentanyl to avoid prosecution.
By classifying all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, the law ensures harsher prison sentences for dealers and traffickers. The classification sends a strong message to those peddling poison in American communities.
To support medical research, the legislation includes special provisions. These ease restrictions on studying Schedule I drugs.
It allows multi-site registration and waives certain inspections. Researchers will now be able to study fentanyl-related compounds more efficiently.
Trump also used the occasion to renew pressure on foreign governments. He announced a 35% tariff on Canadian imports starting August 1.
He blamed Canada for contributing to the fentanyl crisis. He said the country has failed to stop the drug from crossing into the U.S.
Trump has already imposed tariffs on China. He has also criticized Mexico for letting fentanyl pour across the southern border.
“This is about saving American lives,” Trump said. He added that his administration will continue targeting drug cartels by treating them as foreign terrorist organizations.
Speakers at the bill signing included parents who lost children to fentanyl overdoses. Greg Swan and Anne Funder, both of whom praised the president’s efforts, shared their stories.