Hawkeye Reporter

Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) are drawing attention to the dangers of fentanyl as part of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day. Earlier in August, the Senate unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution led by Grassley and Shaheen that establishes August 21, 2025, as Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

“Too many families know the pain of losing a loved one to fentanyl,” Grassley said. “Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day demonstrates Congress’ continuing resolve to keep this public health crisis on the nation’s radar and put an end to our nation's fentanyl epidemic, as well as underscore the importance of local awareness and prevention efforts.”

“I’m glad the Senate came together earlier this month to unanimously pass our bipartisan resolution designating today, August 21, as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day,” Shaheen said. “There’s always more work to be done to address the substance use crisis and prevent more Granite Staters from dying of drug overdoses. As we continue advancing solutions that will save lives, it’s imperative that we keep spreading awareness about the very real dangers of the fentanyl crisis.”

Fentanyl is described as a highly addictive synthetic opioid. In 2024, overdose deaths involving illicit fentanyl reached record levels in the United States, making it the leading cause of death among Americans aged 18 to 45.

This year, Senator Grassley played a key role in passing several measures targeting illicit fentanyl. In January, he introduced the Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act with Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), which aimed to permanently classify illicit fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. The bill advanced through both chambers of Congress before being signed into law by President Donald Trump in July. Additional steps included securing more federal funding for anti-trafficking efforts, holding a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on fentanyl risks, and introducing legislation focused on curbing drug trafficking via social media platforms.