SC Oklahoma News

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole of Oklahoma's 4th District has expressed his support for the HALT Fentanyl Act by voting in favor of H.R. 27. This legislation aims to make the temporary class-wide scheduling order for fentanyl-related substances permanent. It also seeks to provide law enforcement with necessary tools to prevent fentanyl distribution and allows practitioners to conduct research on these substances to better understand their effects on human health.

In a statement, Congressman Cole highlighted the severity of the fentanyl crisis in America: “Illicit fentanyl poising is now the number one cause of death among adults aged 18-49, killing more Americans in this age group than cancer, car accidents, and heart disease. This statistic speaks for itself - the fentanyl crisis in America is out of control. However, this is so much more than just statistic. These are human lives,” said Congressman Cole.

He emphasized the importance of congressional action in addressing this issue: “As a Congress, we must do all we can to protect the American people from this deadly drug. Today, in supporting the passage of the HALT Fentanyl Act, I voted to do just that.”

The bill aims to strengthen efforts against illicit fentanyl distribution while facilitating research into its impacts.