Summary of HRES 617: Supporting Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HRES 617
• Title: Supporting the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day
• Status: Submitted in House
• Introduced: July 29, 2025
• Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 617 aims to recognize and support Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of illicit fentanyl use. The resolution seeks to promote education and prevention efforts to combat the opioid crisis, particularly among young people.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several key provisions that outline its goals:

1. Support for Fentanyl Awareness: The House of Representatives expresses its support for the goals and ideals of Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

2. Promotion of Prevention: The resolution encourages all Americans to engage in activities that promote the prevention of illicit fentanyl use and to educate young people about its dangers.

3. Encouragement for Drug-Free Choices: It calls on children, teenagers, and individuals to choose drug-free lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of making healthy choices.

4. Community Engagement: The resolution encourages the public to:

   • Promote drug prevention initiatives and the establishment of drug-free communities.
   • Participate in drug prevention activities to demonstrate support for healthy, productive, and drug-free lifestyles.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily targets:
- Young People: Aimed at educating and encouraging youth to avoid drug use.
- Communities: Encourages community involvement in drug prevention efforts.
- General Public: Invites all citizens to participate in awareness and prevention activities.

Legislative Actions

• July 29, 2025: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and submitted in the House.

Sponsors

• Primary Sponsor: Earl L. "Buddy" Carter
• Cosponsors: Paul Tonko, Brittany Pettersen

Related Legislation

• SRES 369: A companion resolution in the Senate that aligns with the goals of HRES 617.

Conclusion

HRES 617 serves as a formal acknowledgment of the need for increased awareness and prevention of fentanyl use, particularly among youth. By promoting drug-free lifestyles and community engagement, the resolution aims to contribute to the broader efforts to combat the opioid crisis in the United States.