Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are drawing attention to the dangers of fentanyl in recognition of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. The Senate recently passed a bipartisan resolution, led by Grassley and Shaheen, that designates August 21, 2025, as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

“Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl,” Grassley said. “Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day demonstrates Congress’ continuing resolve to keep this public health crisis on the nation’s radar and put an end to our nation's fentanyl epidemic, as well as underscore the importance of local awareness and prevention efforts.”

“I’m glad the Senate came together earlier this month to unanimously pass our bipartisan resolution designating today, August 21, as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day,” Shaheen said. “There’s always more work to be done to address the substance use crisis and prevent more Granite Staters from dying of drug overdoses. As we continue advancing solutions that will save lives, it’s imperative that we keep spreading awareness about the very real dangers of the fentanyl crisis.”

Fentanyl is described as a highly addictive synthetic opioid. In 2024, overdose deaths from illicit fentanyl reached record levels in the United States, making it the leading cause of death for Americans between ages 18 and 45.

This year saw several legislative actions by Grassley aimed at addressing fentanyl trafficking. In January, he introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), which permanently classified illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. The bill advanced through both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. Grassley also secured additional funding for federal anti-drug efforts, held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on fentanyl dangers, and introduced legislation targeting drug trafficking on social media platforms.