Lawmakers from the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party have introduced new bipartisan legislation to address the fentanyl crisis. The Fentanyl Policy Working Group, led by Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), presented three bills aimed at holding China accountable for its role in the crisis.
The proposed legislation includes measures to improve coordination of law enforcement efforts, impose sanctions on entities involved in drug trafficking, and enforce penalties on Chinese shippers that fail to comply with transparency requirements. The working group has been investigating how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) subsidizes fentanyl precursors and fails to regulate e-commerce platforms selling these substances.
Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) emphasized, “Earlier this spring, the Select Committee uncovered new evidence showing how the Chinese Communist Party directly fuels America’s fentanyl crisis.” He praised Reps. Newhouse and Auchincloss for their leadership in crafting solutions.
Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) added, “Earlier this year, the Select Committee’s bipartisan investigation proved that the CCP could be doing much more to stop the flow of fentanyl.”
Rep. Newhouse stated that China profits from "the destruction of American lives" due to its role in producing and exporting fentanyl precursors. Congressman Auchincloss highlighted that dismantling this supply chain starts at its source with sanctions against Chinese manufacturers.
The three bills are: The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024, The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act, and The International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act. Each bill targets different aspects of drug trafficking related to China.
Members of Congress supporting these bills stress their importance in addressing a significant public health challenge. Congressman Neal Dunn (R-FL) called for swift action against CCP practices fueling America's opioid epidemic. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) noted that closing trade loopholes is essential for tackling one of America’s worst drug epidemics.
Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD) acknowledged China's long-standing role in profiting from American harm through fentanyl distribution. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) described it as an urgent national security challenge requiring decisive action from Congress.
The legislative proposals aim not only to disrupt international trafficking networks but also hold accountable those complicit in perpetuating this crisis.
