New Bill Would Target Fentanyl Trafficking with Task Force

A bipartisan bill seeks to curb the lethal flow of fentanyl into America through a new federal joint task force.

Quick Takes

Rep. Dan Newhouse and Sen. Dave McCormick introduced a bipartisan bill to tackle fentanyl trafficking.
The bill proposes a federal joint task force to bolster interagency collaboration.
The initiative targets international and domestic threats, focusing on China’s role in the fentanyl crisis.
Fentanyl and other similar opioids were linked to around 70% of 107,000 overdose deaths in 2023.

Origin of the Bipartisan Bill

Rep. Dan Newhouse, alongside Sen. Dave McCormick, introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at stemming fentanyl trafficking into the United States. The bill proposes establishing a federal joint task force to enhance interagency collaboration among various federal bodies, thereby maximizing resources for imposing sanctions and launching joint operational raids against trafficking networks.

With support from bipartisan House members and a companion bill in the Senate, this initiative highlights broader concerns about confronting both international and domestic drug networks. By focusing on China’s pivotal role in the supply chain, lawmakers seek to cut off the flow of precursor chemicals used in illegal fentanyl production.

The Task Force’s Objectives

The proposed task force aims to enhance cooperation among federal agencies, pooling resources to disrupt trafficking networks effectively. Central to its operations is addressing the role of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), identified by the U.S. House Select Committee as the primary source of the crisis. The CCP is accused of profiting from trafficking illicit fentanyl into the U.S., an allegation Newhouse has been vocal about.

The bill will also address international trafficking networks, with special attention paid to imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved across borders. Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen have also introduced legislation for sanctions against Chinese entities implicated in this trade.

Federal task force to combat fentanyl crisis introduced by Newhouse#NBHAPIndustryNews https://t.co/u8RhZ20v3L

— National Behavioral Health Assoc. of Providers (@BHAP_us) March 13, 2025

Impact on Communities and Federal Action

Fentanyl’s impact on American communities has been well-documented. In 2023 alone, over 107,000 overdose deaths were recorded, with the majority linked to fentanyl. Senator McCormick highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that fentanyl claimed nearly 4,000 lives in Pennsylvania last year and over 200 American lives daily.

According to past reports, this task force will collaborate with relevant federal agencies, disrupt illicit trade networks, and enforce sanctions. By doing so, lawmakers aim to counter both the domestic and foreign elements perpetuating the crisis.