Washington, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna and three other US lawmakers have reintroduced bipartisan legislation seeking sanctions against China-based and Chinese Communist Party-backed entities accused of facilitating the trafficking of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals into the United States.
The CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act was reintroduced by Khanna, the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on China, and Republican Congressman John Moolenaar, the committee’s chairman. Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse and Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss also joined as sponsors.
The legislation seeks to expand US sanctions authorities to cover Chinese chemical manufacturers and online vendors involved in illicit synthetic narcotics, as well as Chinese vessels and ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate their transportation. It would also provide authority to restrict correspondent and payable-through accounts of foreign financial institutions if the President determines that they knowingly facilitated transactions for individuals involved in synthetic narcotics trafficking.
The bill would further codify and build on sanctions authorities established under Executive Order 14059, which targets foreign actors involved in the global illicit drug trade.
“Fentanyl has devastated communities across America,” Khanna said, adding that the US must stop the flow of fentanyl and illicit precursor chemicals and protect American families.
Moolenaar cited a 2024 committee investigation that accused the Chinese government of subsidising the production of fentanyl precursors sold to Mexican cartels. He said the bipartisan legislation seeks to hold entities and individuals involved in the alleged trade accountable.
Newhouse accused the Chinese Communist Party of subsidising and exporting illicit narcotics, while Auchincloss said Chinese chemical manufacturers exporting fentanyl-related substances to the US should face sanctions and anti-money-laundering measures.
The lawmakers did not identify specific Chinese companies, vessels, ports, online marketplaces or financial institutions for immediate sanctions. Instead, the proposed legislation would create additional authority for future action after the President or relevant US agencies determine that an entity knowingly or recklessly facilitated fentanyl trafficking.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used legally for severe pain relief. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a major contributor to fatal drug overdoses in the United States and is frequently mixed with other illicit drugs and counterfeit prescription pills.
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