“A Republican congressman introduced legislation this week that would punish some heroin dealers with the death penalty or life in prison ― a measure critics say would be an ineffective throwback to draconian “tough on crime” policies that defined the failed war on drugs.
“Rep. Tom Reed’s (R-N.Y.) bill, the Help Ensure Lives are Protected Act, would allow federal prosecutors to seek capital punishment or life imprisonment for drug dealers linked to an overdose death caused by heroin laced with fentanyl.”