Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Jeanne Shaheen announced on April 29 a bipartisan resolution recognizing National Fentanyl Awareness Day.
The initiative aims to draw attention to the dangers of fentanyl, a drug responsible for tens of thousands of deaths each year. Grassley said, “The illegal drug fentanyl kills tens of thousands every year. Today marks National Fentanyl Awareness Day. I want to thank the senior senator from New Hampshire for her collaboration with me in recognizing this day and the dangers that come from fentanyl.”
Grassley referenced recent legislative efforts, including working with Senator Cassidy on the HALT Fentanyl Act, which was signed into law last year. He said this legislation ensures fentanyl is permanently scheduled and gives law enforcement more tools to remove dangerous drugs from communities. “I want to commend President Trump and the Department of Justice for using those tools,” Grassley said.
He also highlighted concerns about fentanyl being mixed with xylazine, stating his commitment as chairman of the Judiciary Committee to continue combating these mixtures through new bipartisan legislation. Grassley added, “Under my leadership, our committee recently reported an important, as well as bipartisan, bill that would do just that. I’ll continue to push [for] passage of that legislation to stop xylazine and fentanyl mixture.” He concluded by expressing solidarity with those affected by fentanyl.
Grassley’s background includes service in the Iowa state legislature from 1958 to 1974 according to his official website. He has experience working as a sheet metal shearer and assembly line worker according to his official website. Grassley holds degrees in political science from the University of Northern Iowa according to his official website and is one of only two farmers currently serving in the Senate who actively raises corn and soybeans in Butler County, Iowa according to his official website. Married since 1954 with five children according to his official website, he also assists Iowans dealing with federal agencies or whistleblower issues according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Grassley’s continued advocacy suggests further legislative action may be forthcoming regarding dangerous synthetic drugs.
