Legislation to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for fentanyl coming into the United States was reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) on Wednesday.
The legislation would amend the Fentanyl Sanctions Act to allows the U.S. government to impose sanctions on Chinese individuals and organizations involved in the production, sale, financing and transportation of synthetic opioids. Additionally, entities that fail to cooperate with U.S. counternarcotic efforts, or neglect to implement “know your customer” procedures, would be designated as foreign opioid traffickers.
The legislation passed the House during Congress’ last session, Barr’s office said.
“The Chinese Communist Party plays a prominent role in every step of the fentanyl crisis, from producing precursor chemicals to laundering cartel profits that fund the illegal trafficking into the United States,” Barr said. “The Trump administration is actively working to regain control of our southern border, following the failed policies of President Biden and Border Czar Kamala Harris. I look forward to collaborating with them to ensure our communities are protected from this devastating epidemic.”
The legislation is supported by U.S. Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Zach Nunn (R-IA)
“Fentanyl is the number one killer of Americans from my daughter’s age to my age. Something has to change. Securing the border is the first step to stopping the scourge of fentanyl pouring into our communities. But we must also cut off the cartel’s supply at its source. That starts with holding the Chinese Communist Party accountable for their role as the primary manufacturer, supplier, and launderer of these illicit drugs worldwide.“ Nunn said.