Yakima Times

Rep. Dan Newhouse has introduced a new bipartisan bill aimed at establishing a federal task force to combat the trafficking of synthetic narcotics, such as fentanyl. The Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025 seeks to pool resources across the federal government in response to what Rep. Newhouse describes as a crisis fueled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

“The CCP is the leading force behind the fentanyl crisis, and the United States is failing to respond while they profit from the loss of American lives,” said Rep. Newhouse.

The proposed task force will coordinate efforts across various federal agencies, employing measures ranging from sanctions to joint drug raids. The initiative aims to support President Trump's administration in curbing fentanyl flow from China into the U.S.

Senator Dave McCormick introduced companion legislation in the Senate, emphasizing that “Fentanyl killed nearly 4,000 Pennsylvanians last year and over 200 Americans each day.” He believes this legislation will enable better coordination within the federal government against fentanyl trafficking.

Several other lawmakers have joined Rep. Newhouse in introducing this legislation, including House Select Committee on CCP Chairman John Moolenaar and Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Dusty Johnson, Ro Khana, Neal Dunn, Jake Auchincloss, and Richie Torres.

Chairman Moolenaar stated that “The Chinese Communist Party has deliberately funded the production of fentanyl chemicals... This legislation builds on the bipartisan Select Committee’s report from last year.”

Rep. Krishnamoorthi added that strengthening coordination between law enforcement and intelligence agencies is critical for tackling synthetic drug flows.

Rep. Johnson highlighted China's role in flooding America with fentanyl: “Getting tough on China includes cracking down on their money-making fentanyl scheme.”

Rep. Khana emphasized interagency coordination's importance in addressing international trafficking networks.

Rep. Dunn expressed urgency for action against what he sees as CCP aggression: “We must take swift action to protect the American public.”

Finally, Rep. Auchincloss noted that decisive action is needed at every link of illegal synthetic narcotic supply chains starting with China.

The task force will focus on disrupting trafficking networks and enforcing sanctions through coordinated operations among relevant federal agencies. It aims for enhanced legal enforcement and regular reporting to Congress regarding its activities and findings related to both international cooperation challenges posed by countries like China concerning opioids' impact domestically within America's borders too.