Grassley, Hassan Take Aim at Counterfeit Pill Production

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) this week reintroduced legislation to stem the flow of counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl, methamphetamine and other dangerous substances.

The bipartisan Stop Pills that Kill Act would implement new penalties and close a sentencing loophole for counterfeit pill production. The bill would also require the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to create a comprehensive plan to tackle the influx of deadly knockoffs.

"Knockoff pills have become a highly lethal and rapidly evolving front in the drug epidemic," Grassley said. "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."

"The fentanyl crisis has devastated families throughout New Hampshire and across the country," Hassan said. "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."

Download bill text HERE.

Background:

This Congress, Grassley has secured several major victories in the fight against counterfeit pills and illicit fentanyl. In January, Grassley introduced the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to target knockoff pills by permanently classifying illicit, fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I. Grassley's HALT Fentanyl Act advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee in February, passed the Senate in March, passed the House of Representatives in June and was signed into law by President Donald Trump in July.

Grassley also passed additional funding for federal efforts to combat drug trafficking and precursor chemicals, held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the dangers of illicit fentanyl andintroduced legislation to stem drug trafficking on social media.

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