Tallahassee Sun

Congressman Neal Dunn has introduced a bill targeting Chinese companies allegedly involved in the U.S. opioid crisis. The legislation, known as the International Protection from PRC Fentanyl and Other Synthetic Opioids Act, seeks to impose civil penalties on shippers linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that traffic materials used in fentanyl production to the United States.

Dunn stated, "For far too long, the CCP has been targeting American civilians by intentionally fueling our country’s opioid epidemic to undermine our nation’s health." He emphasized the need for swift action to protect Americans and hold the CCP accountable, expressing pride in leading this bipartisan initiative.

The proposal is part of a trio of bills from the Select Committee on Communist China’s Fentanyl Working Group aimed at curbing CCP-related activities contributing to America's opioid issues. A report earlier this year from the same committee implicated entities tied to China's Communist Party in exporting fentanyl precursors to the U.S.

Key measures of Dunn's bill include requiring Chinese shippers involved in fentanyl trade to adhere to U.S.-defined standards for declaring fentanyl precursors. It also proposes civil penalties for non-compliant PRC cargo vessels attempting entry into U.S. ports and mandates presidential reports on compliance and enforcement actions. Additionally, fees collected from non-compliant vessels would fund anti-drug trafficking efforts.