April 29, 2021

Manchin Calls For Permanent Fentanyl Rescheduling After Senate Passes Extension

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) called on Congress to pass permanent rescheduling of fentanyl and fentanyl related substances after the Senate unanimously passed an extension of the temporary fentanyl rescheduling through October 22, 2021.

“Today the Senate passed a temporary rescheduling extension for fentanyl and fentanyl related substances through October 22nd. This extension is a step in the right direction, but we must do more,” said Senator Manchin. “Last year over 90,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, and we can estimate that at least 51% of those deaths were related to fentanyl. It’s simply heartbreaking, and we must step up to address this crisis facing our nation. My bipartisan bill, the FIGHT Fentanyl Act, would permanently reschedule fentanyl and fentanyl related substances and I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense bill to save American lives.”

Last week, Senator Manchin spoke on the Senate Floor and urged Congress to pass his bipartisan bill, the FIGHT Fentanyl Act, which would permanently reschedule fentanyl and fentanyl related substances.

In February 2018, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a temporary scheduling order to schedule fentanyl-related substances that has allowed federal law enforcement authorities to bring criminal actions against individuals who manufacture, distribute, or handle fentanyl-related substances. A year ago, the Senate extended the scheduling order through May 6, 2021 via Unanimous Consent. The House extended it by a vote of 320-88.

A timeline of Senator Manchin’s efforts to address the opioid crisis can be found here.