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HR 9937

No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act

119th Congress Introduced by Don Bacon and 3 co-sponsors

The bill broadens and stiffens penalties for fentanyl offenses and speeds updated sentencing guidelines, while expanding USPS interdiction and funding to curb illicit imports.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9937

Bill overview

  • Name: No Leniency for Fentanyl Dealers Act
  • Bill number: H.R. 9937 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)
  • Introduced: July 23, 2026
  • Primary sponsors: Mr. Stutzman (and co-sponsors Mr. Fuller, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Calvert, Ms. De La Cruz)
  • Purpose: Amend the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act to modify penalties for fentanyl-related offenses and to enhance federal sentencing guidance and interdiction efforts targeting fentanyl, other synthetic opioids, and related substances.

What the bill would do

1) Tougher penalties for fentanyl-related offenses

  • Amends 21 U.S.C. 841 (Controlled Substances Act) and 21 U.S.C. 960 (Controlled Substances Import and Export Act) to reduce thresholds for certain fentanyl-related offenses, effectively increasing penalties for fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and related synthetic opioids.
  • Specific changes (numerical thresholds):
    • For certain listed offenses, the statutory quantities in the punished offense would be lowered (e.g., the amount triggering penalties is reduced from higher to lower numbers, indicating harsher penalties for smaller amounts).
    • The amendments also require that the offense apply to both scheduled and unscheduled analogs of fentanyl.
  • Result: Potentially more individuals and quantities of fentanyl-related conduct would reach the higher penalty categories.

2) Directives to the United States Sentencing Commission

  • The Sentencing Commission would be directed to review and amend federal sentencing guidelines and policy statements to align with the revised offenses in sections 2 and 3.
  • Emergency/via expedited process:
    • The Commission must promulgate guidelines and amendments as soon as practicable, and no later than 120 days after enactment, using the emergency authority described in 28 U.S.C. 994 note.
    • The Commission would also make conforming amendments to federal sentencing guidelines to maintain consistency with the new law and applicable statutes.

3) Interdiction and enforcement enhancements for fentanyl and other synthetic opioids

  • Section defines key terms to support interdiction efforts (e.g., chemical screening devices, express consignment operator/carrier, Postmaster General).
  • Postmaster General obligations:
    • Increase availability of chemical screening devices for the USPS to detect fentanyl, synthetic opioids, and other narcotics/psychoactive substances entering the U.S. via mail or express carriers.
    • Ensure adequate personnel to interpret data from screening devices, with coverage during all operational hours.
  • Funding: Authorizes $9,000,000 in appropriations to the Postmaster General to support screening devices, personnel, and scientist staffing to deter unlawful importation.

Who and what is affected

  • Offenders: Individuals convicted of fentanyl-related offenses under the amended sections would be subject to revised penalties and sentencing guidelines.
  • Federal sentencing framework: The United States Sentencing Commission would update guidelines to reflect the new penalties and offense definitions.
  • Enforcement agencies:
    • U.S. Postal Service and other mail/express shipment enforcers would gain expanded interdiction capabilities via screening devices and trained personnel.
  • Operational funding: Postage/agency funding would be allocated to interdiction efforts.

Key procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enactment and timeline:
    • If enacted, the Sentencing Commission would need to promulgate guidelines and amendments within 120 days using emergency authority.
  • Legislative process:
    • Referred to the House Judiciary Committee, with additional referrals to the Energy and Commerce Committee and Oversight and Government Reform for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.

Potential impact considerations

  • Legal; sentencing: Likely increases in penalties for fentanyl-related crimes and faster alignment of guidelines with new statute.
  • Deterrence and enforcement: Expanded interdiction at the USPS and improved screening capabilities could reduce illicit fentanyl imports via mail and express carriers.
  • Resources: New funding would support screening, personnel, and scientific expertise to sustain interdiction operations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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