Moolenaar, Khanna, Newhouse, and Auchincloss Reintroduce Bipartisan CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) of the House Select Committee on China (SCC), Ranking Member Ro Khanna (D-CA), SCC Member Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), have reintroduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act. This legislation cracks down on China-based and CCP-backed entities engaged in drug trafficking by targeting the Chinese chemical manufacturers and online vendors profiting from poisoning Americans.

“The Chinese Communist Party has long had a role in facilitating the fentanyl crisis that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans," said Moolenaar. "The Select Committee’s groundbreaking report in 2024 showed how the CCP subsidized the production of fentanyl precursors sold to the Mexican cartels. The bipartisan legislation we are introducing today targets the entities and individuals who participated in this deadly and illicit practice. It is a crucial step toward holding them accountable for the pain they have caused American families."

“Fentanyl has devastated communities across America,” said Khanna. “I’m proud to join Rep. Auchincloss’ bipartisan effort to hold the networks responsible accountable. We must stop the flow of fentanyl and illicit precursors into our country and protect American families.” 

“The Chinese Communist Party must be held accountable for helping manufacture the fentanyl crisis,” said Newhouse. “For too long, they have subsidized and exported illicit narcotics, and Congress must take aggressive action to counter this epidemic that’s ruining American lives and families. This bipartisan legislation is a strong step in the right direction, as it targets CCP-backed entities, like Chinese chemical companies, who continue wreaking havoc on our communities.”

“Thousands of families in Massachusetts have been scarred by fentanyl,” said Auchincloss. “Chinese chemical manufacturers that are exporting this addictive poison to American shores should bear the full force of U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering measures.”

What the Bill Does

• Targets the “Achilles’ heel” of fentanyl and related synthetic narcotics producers—their exposure to the U.S. banking system courtesy of their licit activity.
• Codifies important new authorities to address this threat while working to target those responsible for the epidemic.
• Codifies and building on Executive Order 14059, which established critical new sanctions authorities against actors involved in fentanyl trafficking.
• Expands existing sanctions authorities to target PRC vessels or ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate shipment/transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as PRC online marketplaces and other entities that knowingly or recklessly facilitate sale of illicit synthetic narcotics.
• Provides authority to restrict foreign financial institution correspondent accounts and payable-through accounts if the President determines the account has knowingly facilitated transactions on behalf of individuals engaging in synthetic narcotics trafficking.

Read the text of the bill here.