Contact Congress about H.R. 27: HALT Fentanyl Act

Fentanyl-related drugs would stay in the strictest federal drug category. The bill would also make some research on Schedule I drugs easier to start or expand.

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HALT Fentanyl Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Latest action on H.R. 27: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people, researchers, and agencies dealing with fentanyl-related drugs. People charged with making, selling, importing, or exporting fentanyl-like substances could face existing fentanyl penalties. Researchers and research institutions could get faster ways to study Schedule I drugs. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Attorney General would have to carry out the new controls, registration rules, public notices, and regulations.

Why this matters: The bill could change how quickly federal law responds to new fentanyl-like drugs. Today, new chemical versions can raise questions about whether they are already controlled. This bill would use a broad definition to cover them at once. It could also speed up some research on fentanyl and other Schedule I drugs. The real-world effect on overdoses, illegal drug markets, and medical research would depend on enforcement and how agencies use the new rules.

Key provisions in H.R. 27

• The bill creates a new Schedule I class for fentanyl-related substances. A substance is covered if it fits the bill's definition, unless federal law already puts it in another drug schedule.
• The Attorney General may publish a list of fentanyl-related substances. But the list does not control everything. A substance is covered if it fits the legal definition, even if it is not on the list.
• The bill applies existing fentanyl penalties to all fentanyl-related substances that fit the definition. These include federal penalties for trafficking, importing, and exporting under the main drug crime laws.
• The bill creates a faster notice process for some Schedule I research. It applies to research tied to Food and Drug Administration investigational drug exemptions, or research funded or done by HHS, DoD, or VA. The bill sets 30-day and 45-day decision timelines.
• Unregistered workers at a research institution could handle controlled substances under a registered researcher's license. The Drug Enforcement Administration must get notice and have 30 days to object. The registered researcher must take responsibility for those workers' actions.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 27

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 27

What is H.R. 27?

Fentanyl-related drugs would stay in the strictest federal drug category. The bill would also make some research on Schedule I drugs easier to start or expand.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 27?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 27?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 27 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.