Pappas Joins Bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus

Last week, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined the bipartisan Fentanyl Prevention Caucus, which consists of members from both sides of the aisle, to combat the nationwide spike in fentanyl-related overdoses and drug poisonings. This group will work with federal and state law enforcement and prevention and awareness groups to gain a better understanding of the ongoing threat of fentanyl and develop solutions.  

“The opioid epidemic continues to claim lives and devastate communities in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Congressman Pappas. “It’s critical that members of Congress put politics aside and work together to deliver comprehensive solutions to combat drug trafficking, support prevention groups, and address substance use disorder. I introduced bipartisan legislation to help law enforcement keep these dangerous substances out of our communities, and I will continue to work with my colleagues, law enforcement, and public safety experts to develop and implement solutions that will keep communities safe and save lives.”

Background:

In May 2021, President Biden signed into law legislation introduced by Pappas in April 2021 to extend the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) temporary order to keep fentanyl analogues in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act to ensure law enforcement can keep them off the streets. This is a designation used for substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

At Pappas’s urging, FY 2022 appropriations extended his bipartisan legislation through December 31, 2022, to ensure there would be no lapse in scheduling.

In December 2022, Pappas secured another extension on the temporary scheduling of fentanyl analogues through December 31, 2024 in the FY 2023 government funding package while he fights for the passage of permanent fentanyl analogue scheduling legislation.