Ro Khanna Joins Bipartisan Push for Sanctions on China-Linked Fentanyl Networks
Washington — Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna has joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in introducing legislation that would expand U.S. sanctions against Chinese entities accused of helping facilitate the flow of fentanyl and precursor chemicals into the United States.
Khanna, the ranking Democrat on the House Select Committee on China, introduced the CCP Fentanyl Sanctions Act alongside Republican committee Chairman John Moolenaar, Republican Rep. Dan Newhouse and Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss.
The legislation would target China-based and Chinese Communist Party-backed chemical manufacturers, online vendors, ports, vessels and financial networks allegedly involved in the production, sale or transportation of synthetic narcotics and the chemicals used to make them.
“Fentanyl has devastated communities across America,” Khanna said. “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 measure would expand existing sanctions authorities to include Chinese vessels and ports that knowingly or recklessly facilitate the transportation of illicit synthetic narcotics.
Chinese online marketplaces and other companies accused of knowingly or recklessly assisting in the sale of those drugs could also be subject to sanctions.
The legislation would also allow the president to restrict correspondent and payable-through accounts used by foreign financial institutions when those accounts knowingly facilitate transactions involving synthetic narcotics trafficking.
Correspondent accounts allow foreign banks to conduct transactions and access financial services through institutions operating in the United States.
The bill would codify and expand sanctions authorities established under Executive Order 14059, which addresses foreign individuals and organizations involved in the global illicit drug trade.
Moolenaar accused the Chinese Communist Party of playing a role in the fentanyl crisis and cited a 2024 committee investigation that alleged the Chinese government subsidized the production of fentanyl precursors later sold to Mexican cartels.
“The bipartisan legislation we are introducing today targets the entities and individuals who participated in this deadly and illicit practice,” Moolenaar said. “It is a crucial step toward holding them accountable for the pain they have caused American families.”
Newhouse similarly accused the Chinese government of subsidizing and exporting illicit narcotics, while Auchincloss said Chinese chemical manufacturers exporting fentanyl-related substances should face U.S. sanctions and anti-money-laundering measures.
The lawmakers did not identify specific companies, vessels, ports, online marketplaces or financial institutions that would immediately face sanctions.
Instead, the legislation would give the president and relevant U.S. agencies additional authority to impose penalties after determining that an entity knowingly or recklessly facilitated fentanyl trafficking.
Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid used legally to treat severe pain. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl has become a major driver of fatal drug overdoses in the United States, particularly because it is often mixed with heroin, cocaine and counterfeit prescription pills. (Source: IANS)
