Congressman Chip Roy introduced the Deal Death, Face Death Act on May 12, which would allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty for individuals who knowingly distribute fentanyl or drugs mixed with fentanyl that result in a fatal overdose.
The proposed legislation addresses concerns about the rising number of deaths linked to fentanyl and aims to impose harsher penalties on those found responsible for distributing these substances. Fentanyl is considered highly lethal, with as little as two milligrams capable of causing death.
“Fentanyl is killing hundreds of Americans every single day, and the people trafficking this poison should face the harshest penalties available. If a dealer distributes fentanyl or fentanyl-laced drugs and someone dies as a result, that dealer has effectively signed that person’s death warrant. The Deal Death, Face Death Act closes a dangerous loophole and gives prosecutors the ability to pursue capital punishment against the worst offenders who are profiting off the deaths of Americans. Congress must stand with the families devastated by this crisis and send a clear message: if you deal death, you will face the full weight of justice,” said Rep. Roy.
According to information from Roy’s office, nearly 48,000 Americans died from fentanyl poisonings in 2024—an average of more than 130 deaths per day—with much of this illicit drug produced by Mexican cartels using Chinese chemicals before being smuggled into American communities by local gangs.
Roy has served in Congress representing Texas’s 21st District since replacing Lamar Smith in 2019; he was re-elected several times since then according to Ballotpedia.
Supporters say stricter penalties may help deter traffickers from distributing deadly substances like fentanyl. The bill text is available online for public review.
