The measure, which passed with bipartisan support and minor changes, now heads back to the House. It is just the second legislative victory for the new Republican-controlled Congress.

The Senate passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, targeting harsher sentences for traffickers as a bipartisan effort to reduce fentanyl distribution. While supported by many, critics warn it mirrors failed 'war on drugs' policies.

The Senate has passed a bill that would result in more prison sentences for fentanyl traffickers. Democratic and Republican lawmakers on Friday were trying to show they can act to rein in distribution of the deadly drug.