U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) spoke at the Metropolitan Crime Commission’s Excellence in Law Enforcement Awards Luncheon in New Orleans, where he expressed gratitude to law enforcement officials and discussed recent legislative efforts aimed at combating drug trafficking.
During his remarks, Cassidy highlighted the HALT Fentanyl Act, a measure he authored that was signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. The act permanently classifies fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I under the Controlled Substances Act, providing law enforcement with expanded authority to prosecute those involved in distributing the drug.
“Fentanyl dealers are criminals and murders,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Thanks to local law enforcement and my HALT Fentanyl Act, they are more likely to go to jail and Louisiana is safer.”
The legislation comes amid a national opioid crisis; from 2014 to 2023, over 400,000 Americans died from fentanyl overdoses, including approximately 5,000 deaths in Louisiana alone.
Cassidy also referenced an August event honoring families affected by fentanyl overdoses and celebrating the signing of his legislation. He was joined at the luncheon by Jonathan Tapp, FBI special agent in charge for New Orleans; Louisiana State Attorney General Liz Murrill; and Rafael Goyeneche III, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission.
“The HALT Fentanyl Act that Senator Cassidy authored and earned bipartisan support for is important not just to Louisiana, but to our nation,” said Mr. Goyeneche. “Fentanyl overdose deaths exceed the combined total of murders and vehicular deaths on an annual basis. This legislation addresses a public safety issue, and that’s why the Metropolitan Crime Commission invited the Senator to speak to our membership. This is critically important for safer communities in Louisiana, and throughout the country.”
