REP. STUTZMAN INTRODUCES NO LENIENCY FOR FENTANYL DEALERS ACT

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-03) introduced the House companion to Senator John Kennedy's (R-LA) No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act. The legislation significantly lowers the quantity thresholds of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues required to trigger federal mandatory minimum prison sentences and strengthens enforcement tools to combat trafficking. It also updates sentencing guidelines and enhances drug interdiction efforts, particularly through the mail system.

Breitbart first covered this legislation in an exclusive article by Jasmyn Jordan.

Along with being co-led by Senator Kennedy in the Senate, this legislation is also cosponsored by Fentanyl Prevention Caucus Co-Chairman Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), Congressman Clay Fuller (GA-14), Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02), Congressman Rob Bresnahan (PA-08), Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15), and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02).

The members said the following:

"Hundreds of thousands of Americans die every year from fentanyl poisoning. I am proud to take up the No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act with Senator Kennedy so those peddling this lethal substance are punished with sentences commensurate with their actions," said Rep. Stutzman. "The additional training and strengthened enforcement tools included in this bill will assist law enforcement and postal workers to identify fentanyl faster and keep Americans safer."

"Fentanyl dealers are selling poison that is killing tens of thousands of Americans every year, and Washington's sentencing laws still treat them with kid gloves. I'm proud to work with Congressman Stutzman to ensure these ghouls get the punishment they deserve," Sen. Kennedy said.

"Fentanyl is the number one killer of Americans ages 18 to 45. That's why I am proud to co-sponsor the No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act. For too long, the criminals who profit from poisoning our communities have escaped the full consequences of their actions. That must end," Rep. Fuller said. "I find no greater joy than putting a fentanyl dealer behind bars. I have seen firsthand the devastation this poison has inflicted on my community in Northwest Georgia, and I will continue to fight here in Washington each and every day to ensure the people responsible are held accountable. If you choose to traffic fentanyl, know this: we will continue to pursue stronger laws, tougher penalties, and every available tool to stop you from destroying more American lives."

"Fentanyl dealers are poisoning our communities, and I know families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl," Rep. Bacon said. "Federal law must reflect the deadly reality of this crisis. The No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act strengthens penalties for those trafficking lethal amounts of fentanyl, updates sentencing thresholds and gives the Postal Service more tools to detect and interdict these drugs before they reach our streets. I'm grateful to work with Rep. Stutzman on this effort to hold traffickers accountable and protect American families."

"It only takes two milligrams of fentanyl to kill a person. That's just about three grains of table salt," Rep. Bresnahan said. "Despite this, it takes 40 grams of fentanyl, or roughly three tablespoons of butter, to trigger the federal five-year mandatory minimum sentence for trafficking. That threshold simply does not reflect the deadly reality of this drug. The No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act closes the gap by lowering the amount of fentanyl needed to trigger tougher penalties, helping keep this deadly drug off our streets and out of our communities."

The legislation has also received support from the National Sheriffs' Association, the National District Attorneys Association, the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the Indiana United Postmasters and Managers of America, the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition, and the United Postmasters and Managers of America. They said the following:

"The lethality of fentanyl demands consequences that match the crime. This legislation closes a dangerous gap in federal law, strengthens enforcement, and helps ensure traffickers are held accountable before more lives are lost. Thank you, Congressman Stutzman, for introducing this much needed legislation," said Sheriff Mike Chapman of Loudon County, Virginia, chairman of the NSA Government Affairs Committee.

"The No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act takes a critical step toward aligning federal law with the extreme danger fentanyl poses in our communities. Fentanyl is a top public safety concern across the country, and prosecutors need laws that reflect that reality. This bill targets the worst offenders and gives prosecutors the tools they need to disrupt trafficking networks and save lives," said Nelson Bunn, executive director of the National District Attorneys Association.

"Fentanyl continues to devastate communities across Indiana and the United States, claiming lives at an alarming rate. Individuals take advantage of fentanyl's low cost to produce as well as its high profit margin. They do so with little to no regard for the people it hurts the most. Those who traffic this deadly substance must be held fully accountable. The Indiana Drug Enforcement Association supports legislative efforts that ensure meaningful consequences for fentanyl dealers and strengthen the ability of law enforcement to protect the public," said Chris Goergen, president of the Indiana Drug Enforcement Association.

"The National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies (NASDEA) fully supports the No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act. Given fentanyl's deadly impact on communities across the country, there must be a zero-tolerance approach toward those who manufacture or distribute this dangerous drug," said Carlon Stapleton, the organization's executive director.

"The United Postmasters and Managers of America recognizes the serious threat fentanyl poses to communities nationwide and supports legislation that gives the Postal Service the resources needed to help address that threat," said Tony Leonardi, national president of United Postmasters and Managers of America.

Key Changes to Sentencing Thresholds & Screening Measures:

• Reduces the amount of fentanyl required to trigger a 10-year mandatory minimum from 400 grams to 20 grams.
• Reduces fentanyl analogue threshold for a 10-year mandatory minimum from 100 grams to 5 grams.
• Reduces the amount of fentanyl required to trigger a 5-year mandatory minimum from 40 grams to 2 grams.
• Lowers fentanyl analogue threshold for a 5-year mandatory minimum from 10 grams to 0.5 grams.
• Authorizes $9,000,000 to support enhanced drug detection, staffing, and enforcement capabilities within the Postal Service.
• Requires additional trained personnel, including scientists, to interpret screening data in real time.