Central ND News

Gov. Kelly Armstrong participated in a White House ceremony with President Donald Trump for the signing of the HALT Fentanyl Act. The legislation places fentanyl-related substances under the same strict controls as Schedule 1 drugs, like heroin. Armstrong was an original co-sponsor of an earlier version of this bill introduced in the 117th Congress in 2022.

The HALT (Halt All Lethal Trafficking of) Fentanyl Act amends the Controlled Substances Act to classify illicit fentanyl knockoffs permanently as Schedule 1 narcotics. Initially, during Trump's first administration, all fentanyl-related substances were temporarily restricted in 2018 through a temporary Schedule 1 classification, which Congress has extended several times since then. The newly signed bill makes this classification permanent but still allows for FDA-approved use of Schedule II fentanyl for legitimate medical purposes.

Additionally, the act streamlines the registration process to enable more scientists to study fentanyl-related substances, according to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, introduced the bill alongside Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. In the House, Reps. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., and Robert Latta, R-Ohio led it.

“Fentanyl is killing North Dakotans in communities across our state. Classifying fentanyl-related substances as a Schedule 1 drug will close off dangerous loopholes that can be exploited by traffickers, treating the drug with the severity it deserves,” Armstrong stated. “I was proud to work with Rep. Griffith and Rep. Latta on this bill during my time in the House, and I thank them for getting it through this Congress. Thank you to President Trump and the White House for inviting me to the bill signing.”