Dr. Joyce Presents HALT Fentanyl Legislation to Local Advocates
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13) presented Ray and Deb Cullen of Shippensburg with an official copy of the final legislative text of the HALT Fentanyl Act, signed into law by President Trump on July 16, 2025.
Ray and Deb Cullen are tireless advocates who have been fighting the fentanyl crisis since the tragic loss of their son Zachary to fentanyl poisoning. The Cullens have testified twice before Congress on the dangers of illicit fentanyl.
In 2024, more than 100,000 American lives were lost to a drug overdose, with nearly 50,000 of those caused by illicit fentanyl. The HALT Fentanyl Act cracks down on the criminals who create, traffic, and sell illicit fentanyl in the U.S. by classifying fentanyl analogs as a Schedule I drug. Additionally, this law empowers law enforcement to more effectively seize these dangerous drugs and impose harsher penalties on the criminals responsible for this epidemic.
“One Pennsylvanian dies from a drug overdose every two hours, many resulting from fentanyl poisoning. This scourge on our society ends now. The HALT Fentanyl Act is critical legislation that empowers law enforcement and our judicial system to crack down on the criminals and cartel members who are at the root of this crisis,” said Rep. John Joyce, M.D.“As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I was proud to join President Trump at the White House as he signed HALT Fentanyl into law, and I thank Ray and Deb Cullen for their tireless support of this legislation. Their fight to ensure that other families throughout the country never face such a devastating loss is truly an inspiration.”
“We are extremely grateful for Congressman Joyce and his relentless work on the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is now law. August 28th will mark three years since our son Zachary was poisoned by this deadly drug. Dr. Joyce and his colleagues on the Energy and Commerce Committee recognized the epidemic taking place in our country that has killed hundreds of thousands of young people, and they were moved to do something about it. We were honored to be able to share our experience and to help however possible. The HALT Fentanyl Act will not bring back our sweet son, but it is a major tool now being used to fight this terrible scourge and to hopefully save someone else’s child,” said Ray and Deb Cullen.
Background:
- On January 11, 2023, Congressman Joyce hosted an Energy and Commerce Committee roundtable to discuss the devastating fentanyl crisis. Joining Congressman Joyce were Ray and Deb Cullen, who shared the story of their son, Zachary, a student at Shippensburg University who tragically lost his life to fentanyl poisoning.
- On June 9, 2023, Congressman Joyce and then Health Subcommittee Chairman Brett Guthrie (KY-02) hosted a Health Subcommittee field hearing in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, to highlight the urgent need to strengthen addiction and recovery resources. During the hearing, Reading Township Chief of Police William Ceravola testified on the devastating effects addiction has on our communities.
- On February 6, 2025, the Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on February 6, 2025, to discuss legislation to combat the threats of illicit drugs. Ray Cullen testified before the Committee to share the Cullens’ tragic loss of their son, Zachary. Ray’s powerful testimony truly showed the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the tragedy that it causes every day.
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