Sioux Empire Today

U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, along with the Select Committee on China's Fentanyl Policy Working Group, has introduced new legislation aimed at tackling the fentanyl crisis and holding China accountable for its role in the epidemic. The proposed bill is a bipartisan effort to address the issue of Chinese-made fentanyl entering the United States.

Johnson stated, "China has been flooding our nation with fentanyl for years, profiting on the destruction and poisoning of American lives." He emphasized that taking a strong stance against China includes targeting their involvement in the fentanyl trade, which he describes as devastating to American families.

Select Committee on China Chairman John Moolenaar highlighted that "the Chinese Communist Party has deliberately funded the production of fentanyl chemicals," which are then trafficked into the U.S., resulting in American deaths. Moolenaar added that this legislation aims to unite government agencies to disrupt trafficking networks and impose sanctions on those responsible.

Representative Dan Newhouse expressed concern over what he sees as a lack of response from the United States while China profits from American casualties. He noted that "this Joint Task Force will pool resources across the federal government" to combat this crisis through measures such as sanctions and joint drug raids.

Senator Dave McCormick pointed out that fentanyl was responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths in Pennsylvania last year alone. He stressed that this legislation would enable better coordination among federal entities to fight against lethal fentanyl trafficking.

In 2023, nearly 70% of drug overdose deaths in America were attributed to fentanyl, highlighting an urgent need for action. Johnson's appointment to the Fentanyl Policy Working Group came in June 2024.

The proposed legislation, titled "Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025," seeks to establish a task force focused primarily on synthetic opioids like fentanyl. It will bring together representatives from various federal agencies for joint operations aimed at disrupting trafficking networks and enforcing sanctions. The task force also intends to enhance legal enforcement and regularly report its findings to Congress.

The bill is cosponsored by several senators including Dave McCormick (R-PA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Katie Britt (R-AL), and John Fetterman (D-PA). In addition, it has support from House Representatives such as Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), John Moolenaar (R-MI), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), and Ritchie Torres (D-NY).