Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) have reintroduced the bipartisan Stop Pills that Kill Act. The legislation aims to address the growing issue of counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous substances.
The proposed bill seeks to impose new penalties and close a sentencing loophole related to counterfeit pill production. It would also mandate the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to develop a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the influx of counterfeit pills.
“Knockoff pills have become a highly lethal and rapidly evolving front in the drug epidemic,” Grassley stated. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to stymie the production of these deadly drugs and will keep working to get this much-needed legislation across the finish line.”
Hassan commented on the impact of fentanyl, saying, “The fentanyl crisis has devastated families throughout New Hampshire and across the country. This bipartisan legislation toughens penalties on criminals who help manufacture fentanyl and related substances – sending a clear message that those who target our communities will pay a hefty price. I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to provide resources to crack down on the criminals who bring these deadly drugs into our communities.”
Earlier in this Congress, Grassley introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act, which sought permanent classification of illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. That measure advanced through legislative channels and was signed into law by President Donald Trump in July after passing both chambers of Congress.
Grassley has also secured additional federal funding for anti-drug trafficking efforts, organized a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on illicit fentanyl dangers, and introduced further legislation targeting drug trafficking via social media platforms.
