Rep. Nadler Statement on S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act

On Wednesday, I voted against adoption of S. 3201, the Temporary Reauthorization and Study of the Emergency Scheduling of Fentanyl Analogues Act, which the Senate passed on January 16.  It is absolutely true that the opioid crisis demands serious and appropriate action to address the abuse and deadly toll of fentanyl, as well as fentanyl-related substances that are scientifically shown to be harmful.  However, I have serious concerns about the approach taken in this bill of criminalizing a broad class of such substances, some of which may not be harmful. The bill would also subject certain fentanyl offenses to mandatory minimum sentences that do not take into account the facts and circumstances of each case, exacerbating injustice in our criminal justice system.