Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such, and recognizing President Trump's efforts to mitigate illicit narcotics from entering the United States through such actions as signing an Executive Order "Designating Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction" and declaring the crisis caused by the rise of fentanyl a national health emergency.

House Resolution

H.Res. 959

119th Congress

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such, and recognizing President Trump's efforts to mitigate illicit narcotics from entering the United States through such actions as signing an Executive Order "Designating Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction" and declaring the crisis caused by the rise of fentanyl a national health emergency.

In Committee

Introduced:Dec 18, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Neal Dunn

R - FL

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Summary

This House resolution expresses support for classifying illicit fentanyl and related substances as weapons of mass destruction. It cites that a single kilogram of fentanyl can kill 500,000 people, and notes that over 71,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2021. The resolution supports President Trump's executive order designating fentanyl as a WMD and his declaration of a national health emergency.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This House resolution expresses support for classifying illicit fentanyl and related substances as weapons of mass destruction. It cites that a single kilogram of fentanyl can kill 500,000 people, and notes that over 71,000 Americans died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2021. The resolution supports President Trump's executive order designating fentanyl as a WMD and his declaration of a national health emergency.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Urges classification of illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction
Notes one kilogram of fentanyl can potentially kill 500,000 people
Cites 71,238 synthetic opioid deaths in 2021 per CDC data
Identifies China as primary source of fentanyl precursors
Points to Mexican cartels and India as growing trafficking routes
Supports permanent Schedule I classification for fentanyl-related substances

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If enacted, this would primarily affect law enforcement and how fentanyl trafficking is prosecuted—potentially enabling more severe penalties under WMD statutes. It would impact Mexican cartels, Chinese suppliers, and anyone involved in fentanyl trafficking. Communities devastated by the opioid crisis, particularly in rural and working-class areas, would see policy changes aimed at deterring the drug trade.

Policy Areas

No policy areas assigned yet.

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

959, 119th Congress (2025). "Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such, and recognizing President Trump's efforts to mitigate illicit narcotics from entering the United States through such actions as signing an Executive Order "Designating Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction" and declaring the crisis caused by the rise of fentanyl a national health emergency.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hres-959