Stopping Fentanyl

Every year, more than 1,000 people in Wisconsin die from opioid overdoses. In 2023 alone, we lost 43 members of the Kenosha community to fentanyl overdoses. Many of us know a friend, family member, or neighbor who has been affected by substance abuse. All too often, fentanyl is the leading culprit.

Families across Wisconsin have seen their lives change in an instant because of this illicit drug.

Fentanyl and fentanyl analogs are often derived from chemical precursors shipped from China to Mexico, where it is assembled and laced into other drugs. From there, it is smuggled across the border and into our communities.

In Congress, I've worked to fight the rise in fentanyl overdoses, held roundtables with local law enforcement and community leaders, passed funding to combat the opioid crisis, and led more than 100 of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to push the previous administration to act on this crisis.

This week, the House passed H.R. 27, the HALT Fentanyl Act. This legislation permanently reclassifies fentanyl and fentanyl analogs as Schedule I substances under the Controlled Substances Act.

By increasing penalties for those dealing illicit fentanyl and providing much-needed resources to our law enforcement officials, we can ensure that fewer lives are lost each year to overdose and our communities remain secure.

This bill now heads to the Senate for a vote before going to President Trump to be signed into law.

If you know someone struggling with addiction, you can find support options in our area here.

Protecting Girls in Sports

This week, President Trump signed an Executive Order protecting girls' sports and girls' spaces through the authority granted to him under Title IX. The executive order prohibits any men from competing in an athletic opportunity designated for women and denies federal funding to schools that who do not follow this directive.

President Trump Signing the Executive Order

Athletic opportunities play an essential role in a child’s development, teaching the values of collaboration, fair play, and hard work. This order recognizes that girls deserve the chance to compete in a fair and safe environment.

However, executive actions can be overturned by future presidents. That is why my colleagues and I voted for H.R. 28, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. This common-sense legislation prohibits men from competing in athletic events designated for women, fulfilling the promise that Title IX made more than 50 years ago. This bill is currently awaiting a vote in the U.S. Senate before heading to President Trump for his signature.

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, want to share an opinion, or are having trouble with a federal agency. 

On Wisconsin,

Bryan Steil
Member of Congress

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