New bill proposes harsher sentences for possession of synthetic drugs

10 years, with the maximum doubling for a second offense. Furthermore, a recent memo issued by the Attorney General instructed federal prosecutors to pursue the maximum sentence whenever possible.

In addition, the legislation determines that substances could be added to Schedule A at the behest of the attorney general, a position currently occupied by Trump appointee Jeff Sessions.

“We do not support legislation that adds drugs to this failed regime,” Collins said. “And we certainly do not support legislation that allows Jeff Sessions the ability to unilaterally decide which drugs should be scheduled and given these penalties.”

Neither Senator Grassley nor Senator Feinstein responded to a request for comment.