Ernst, Gonzales Create Harsh Penalties for Deadly Fentanyl Dealers

WASHINGTON – On National Fentanyl Awareness Day, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congressman Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) are increasing the criminal penalties to the strictest possible level for the drug dealers behind the fentanyl epidemic that is the leading cause of death for Americans 18-44 and contributed to around 87,000 overdose deaths.

The Felony Murder for Deadly Fentanyl Distribution Act makes knowingly distributing fentanyl resulting in death a first-degree murder carrying a sentence of up to life in prison or even the death penalty.

“I have seen firsthand how the scourge of fentanyl has inflicted incredible tragedy on communities across Iowa,” said Ernst. “I have worked for years to protect Americans and stop this deadly epidemic. Increasing the severity of the punishment for the drug dealers responsible for the deaths of too many Iowans is long overdue.”

“I served 20 years in the military, I know what war looks like. Make no mistake, the current fentanyl crisis our country is experiencing is not random—it’s an intentional act of war against the American people. Drug cartels have taken advantage of loopholes at our borders to peddle illicit drugs into our country, meanwhile, our communities pay the price,” said Gonzales. “My bill sends a strong message to those who work with cartels and other bad actors—if you sell the drug and take an innocent life, justice will be delivered. Our law enforcement agencies are in overdrive combatting the drug epidemic in America, it’s time to take action and up the penalties for fentanyl dealers.”

Click here to view the bill.

Background:

Earlier this year, the Senate passed an Ernst-supported bill to classify fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I, to enable law enforcement authorities to target fentanyl traffickers, no matter how much they chemically tweak their products to take advantage of a legal loophole.

After visiting the southern border, Ernst worked to increase penalties on individuals who fuel the border crisis and fentanyl epidemic.

Her bipartisan solution to address the fentanyl crisis was also included in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

Last week, Ernst introduced the BE GONE Act to codify a key part of President Trump’s zero-tolerance border crackdown by requiring illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes to be deported.

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