Sen. Cortez Masto and Sen. Grassley Push Bill to Classify Xylazine as a Controlled Substance
This bill has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently listed on the Senate calendar but is not moving forward at this time. There are no upcoming votes scheduled for this proposal.
No action since April 2026
This bill has massive bipartisan support and addresses a high-profile public health crisis. It has already cleared a major committee hurdle and has support from both parties.
This bill’s path across every version that has carried it.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
People involved in trafficking or illegally possessing xylazine could face new federal criminal penalties under Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. The Sentencing Commission is also directed to create appropriate sentencing guidelines for xylazine offenses, which could mean prison time for possession or distribution outside of legitimate veterinary channels. This is especially significant because xylazine was previously unscheduled federally.
“the United States Sentencing Commission shall review and, if appropriate, amend its sentencing guidelines, policy statements, and official commentary applicable to persons convicted of an offense under section 401 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 841)”
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 372.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on the Judiciary. Reported by Senator Grassley with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act was reintroduced in February 2025 to categorize the sedative as a Schedule III substance while protecting veterinary access. The bill aims to empower law enforcement against traffickers while ensuring farmers and ranchers can still treat animals legally.
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act on March 26, 2026, with a 19-3 vote. The legislation classifies the drug as Schedule III to combat its use as a fentanyl cutting agent while maintaining its availability for the equine and livestock industries.
As states like Pennsylvania and Ohio move to schedule xylazine, federal lawmakers are pushing the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act. The bill would provide a national framework to regulate the drug, which has been linked to thousands of overdose deaths and severe skin infections in humans.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Combating Illicit Xylazine Act
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