Portman Statement on ONDCP, DOJ, HHS Request to Permanently Schedule Fentanyl-Related Drugs

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) released a statement following the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Health and Human Resources (HHS)'s request that Congress permanently schedule illicitly manufactured and deadly fentanyl-related drugs known as fentanyl analogues. The proposal is consistent with bipartisan legislation Portman has introduced with Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). Temporary scheduling of fentanyl-related substances is set to expire on October 22, 2021.

"Overdose deaths have surged to record highs during the COVID-19 pandemic and sadly, synthetic opioids like fentanyl analogues are one of the biggest reasons why," said Portman. "It is time for Congress to permanently ban fentanyl-related substances, and I'm pleased that the Biden administration has put forward a proposal that is consistent with bipartisan legislation I have introduced with Senator Manchin. Not only is a permanent solution critical in our battle against addiction in this country, but it is also vital in ensuring law enforcement can continue to protect our communities by bringing criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute, or handle these deadly drugs."

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