Riley Votes to Toughen Fentanyl Laws—Continues Comprehensive Push to Combat Deadly Crisis

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) today voted to pass S. 331, bipartisan legislation that permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs—the toughest designation under federal law. The bill passed with broad bipartisan support and now heads to the President’s desk.

The vote is the latest step in Rep. Riley’s ongoing effort to combat the fentanyl epidemic across Upstate New York and the nation. Since taking office, Riley has made tackling the crisis a top priority—introducing, co-sponsoring, and voting for a range of bills to stop fentanyl at the border, in the mail system, and in correctional facilities, while expanding support for addiction recovery.

“I’ve sat with parents in Upstate New York who’ve lost their kids to fentanyl overdoses. I’ve heard from corrections officers who’ve been poisoned by it. And I’ve promised every single one of them that I’d act,” said Rep. Riley. “This vote is about honoring those promises—and about using every tool we have to stop this poison from tearing through our communities.”

Riley’s legislative efforts include:

• S. 331 – HALT Fentanyl Act (Senate version): Voted to make all fentanyl-related substances Schedule I and expand research access for addiction treatment.
• H.R. 27 – HALT Fentanyl Act (House version): Voted to increase penalties and shut down trafficking loopholes.
• Stop Fentanyl Smuggling Act (H.R. 3078): Introduced bipartisan bill with Rep. Zach Nunn to fund advanced detection technologies at borders and in prisons.
• Marc Fischer Memorial Act (H.R. 1046): Co-sponsored bill to modernize mail screening in federal prisons.
• CATCH Fentanyl Act (H.R. 1569): Supported creation of high-tech pilot programs at land ports of entry.
• ATR Caucus Membership: Joined the Congressional Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Caucus to support long-term care and recovery infrastructure.

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