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S. 477: Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-02-06
SponsorSen. Kennedy, John [R-LA]
Policy areaCrime and Law Enforcement
Cosponsors5
Latest action2025-02-06 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Last updated2025-07-21

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-02-06):

Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025

This bill modifies the drug quantity thresholds that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for a defendant who manufactures, distributes, imports, exports, or possesses with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Specifically, the bill reduces from 400 to 20 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 100 to 5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for high-level first-time or repeat offenders. It also reduces from 40 to 2 grams the fentanyl quantity and from 10 to 0.5 grams the fentanyl analogue quantity that trigger a mandatory minimum prison term for low-level first-time or repeat offenders.

Additionally, the bill directs the U.S. Postal Service to increase the availability of chemical screening devices and dedicate the appropriate number of personnel to interdict fentanyl and other substances that are unlawfully imported into the United States.

Cosponsors (5)

NameParty / state
Ted Cruz R TX (original cosponsor) 2025-02-06
Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC] R SC (original cosponsor) 2025-02-06
Katie Boyd Britt R AL (original cosponsor) 2025-02-06
James C. Justice R WV (original cosponsor) 2025-02-06
Marsha Blackburn R TN 2025-02-11

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 477 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 477 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 477?

S. 477 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Fairness in Fentanyl Sentencing Act of 2025.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 477 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).