WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced the Stopping Illicit Fentanyl Trafficking (SIFT) Act. This legislation would permanently codify the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) emergency scheduling of illicit fentanyl which is set to expire in December 2024. It would create a long-term solution for scheduling of fentanyl analogues that allows for the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in conjunction with the Attorney General and Department of Justice (DOJ) to schedule or de-schedule fentanyl analogues.

“The opioid epidemic continues to rock communities across America, taking innocent lives and tearing families apart. Drug overdoses remain the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45 and action needs to be taken,” said Luetkemeyer. “Already in 2023, fentanyl deaths are up 23.3%. The SIFT Act would create a much-needed long term solution, aid in stopping the flow of fentanyl across our borders and help our law enforcement officers – who are on the front lines battling this epidemic daily – keep our communities safe.”

The full bill text can be found HERE.

Organizations supporting the SIFT Act: Missouri Prosecuting Attorneys Association, International Union of Police Associations, Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the National District Attorneys Association.