Yakima Times

Rep. Dan Newhouse, Chairman of The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group, has introduced bipartisan legislation targeting the role of the CCP in the fentanyl crisis affecting the United States. "For too long, China has profited from the destruction of American lives," said Rep. Newhouse. He emphasized efforts to combat both the immediate threat and hold accountable those subsidizing this epidemic.

The legislation follows an investigation by the Select Committee revealing how the CCP subsidizes fentanyl precursors. Three bills have been proposed: supporting law enforcement, strengthening sanctions on entities involved in drug trafficking, and imposing fees for lack of transparency.

"Dismantling the fentanyl supply chain starts at the source," stated Rep. Auchincloss, highlighting sanctions on Chinese chemical manufacturers.

Select Committee Chairman John Moolenaar expressed gratitude for Newhouse and Auchincloss's leadership in crafting solutions to address this crisis. Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi noted that if China does not act, Congress will.

The proposed bills include:

- The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2024 aims to create a task force for combating synthetic narcotics trafficking.

- The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act seeks to expand sanctions on PRC entities facilitating synthetic narcotics shipment.

- The International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act proposes civil penalties for non-compliance with transparency requirements in drug shipping.