Des Moines Sun

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Senator Maggie Hassan have reintroduced the Stop Pills that Kill Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at reducing the production of counterfeit prescription pills containing substances such as fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The proposed legislation seeks to introduce new penalties for those involved in producing counterfeit pills and to close existing sentencing loopholes. Additionally, it would require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to develop a detailed plan to address the spread of these dangerous drugs.

Grassley emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “Knockoff pills have become a highly lethal and rapidly evolving front in the drug epidemic. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to stymie the production of these deadly drugs and will keep working to get this much-needed legislation across the finish line.”

Hassan highlighted the impact on her state and others, saying, “The fentanyl crisis has devastated families throughout New Hampshire and across the country. This bipartisan legislation toughens penalties on criminals who help manufacture fentanyl and related substances – sending a clear message that those who target our communities will pay a hefty price. I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle to provide resources to crack down on the criminals who bring these deadly drugs into our communities.”

In addition to this new bill, Grassley has taken several other steps during this Congress session aimed at combating counterfeit pills and illicit fentanyl. Earlier in the year, he introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act, which permanently classifies illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. The HALT Fentanyl Act progressed through both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by President Donald Trump in July.

Grassley also helped secure additional funding for federal initiatives targeting drug trafficking and precursor chemicals, organized a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on illicit fentanyl dangers, and introduced further legislation intended to curb drug trafficking activities on social media platforms.