This is what your members read

What it does

The bill places xylazine, a veterinary sedative used illicitly in drug supplies, into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. It creates narrow exceptions allowing veterinarians, pharmacies, and certain government or business employees to possess and use xylazine for animals, animal-control programs, and wildlife programs. The bill also establishes reporting requirements to Congress on illicit xylazine prevalence, diversion, and trafficking.

Background

The bill defines xylazine for purposes of the Controlled Substances Act and amends the definition of "ultimate user" to restrict non-veterinary possession of xylazine while preserving lawful veterinary and government uses. It responds to illicit use of xylazine in the drug supply.

Key provisions

• Xylazine is added to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act, including its salts, isomers, and salts of isomers.
• Xylazine may be lawfully possessed only if dispensed by a registered veterinarian or pharmacy on veterinary prescription, and only for animals owned by the possessor or household member, animals under the possessor's care, government animal-control programs, or government and tribal wildlife programs.
• Existing xylazine manufacturers are exempt from capital expenditure requirements to install Schedule III security standards.
• Labeling, packaging, and distribution logistics requirements for Schedule III do not take effect for xylazine until one year after enactment.
• Practitioner registration, inventory, and recordkeeping requirements do not take effect for xylazine until 60 days after enactment; practitioners who apply during the 60-day period may continue operations pending approval or denial.
• The Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration must expedite manufacturer submissions and applications related to xylazine's Schedule III placement.
• The Attorney General, through the Drug Enforcement Administration and in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration, must submit a report within 18 months on xylazine diversion, origin, and analogous substances, and a follow-up report within four years on xylazine trafficking and misuse.
• The United States Sentencing Commission shall review and amend sentencing guidelines for xylazine offenses under the Controlled Substances Act and the Controlled Substances Import and Export Act, considering common forms and co-use with other scheduled substances.

Who it affects

Veterinarians and registered pharmacies may continue to dispense xylazine under prescription. Government and tribal agencies operating animal-control or wildlife programs may use xylazine. Non-veterinary possession or use of xylazine becomes unlawful, except for household members and caretakers of animals receiving lawful veterinary xylazine. Xylazine manufacturers must comply with DEA and FDA processing timelines and Schedule III requirements.

Where it stands

Latest official action (June 25, 2026): Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

The bill originated in the House of Representatives and was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce and the Committee on the Judiciary. As of June 25, 2026, a subcommittee consideration and mark-up session was held. The next step would be a full committee vote or further subcommittee action.