WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a concerted effort to curb the devastating impact of illicit fentanyl in the United States, U.S. Senator Bob Casey, alongside fellow Senators, has called upon the Biden Administration to intensify measures against China, the primary source of fentanyl precursors. Highlighting the grave threat posed by the influx of this lethal substance, the legislators are pressing for robust trade countermeasures to hold China accountable for its facilitation of the illicit trade.
China’s position as the predominant exporter of fentanyl precursors is underscored by alarming statistics, with over 97 percent of the illicit fentanyl in the U.S. traced back to Chinese origins. The Senators have articulated serious concerns regarding China’s state-backed policy, which they claim is a deliberate effort to profit from the opioid crisis afflicting American communities. In their communication to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, the Senators advocated for the support of a Section 301 tariff petition by Facing Fentanyl, Inc., which seeks to impose sanctions on China for its role in this ongoing crisis.
The proposed trade countermeasures aim to disrupt China’s unfair practices that have exacerbated the fentanyl epidemic in the U.S. Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 allows for the imposition of tariffs on nations found to be engaging in unfair trade practices. This petition proposes tariffs targeting specific manufacturers and sectors tied to fentanyl production, alongside other restrictions to curb the flow of illicit substances.
Senator Casey has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to address this crisis. His initiatives include the introduction of the Stop Fentanyl at the Border Act, designed to bolster border security and prevent the smuggling of fentanyl. Furthermore, Casey has been instrumental in the passage of the Preventing the Financing of Illegal Synthetic Drugs Act, which mandates investigations into the financial mechanisms underpinning synthetic drug trafficking.
The Senators’ letter emphasizes the profound toll of the fentanyl crisis, which claims approximately 200 American lives daily. The economic ramifications are equally severe, placing immense strain on healthcare systems and law enforcement resources. Despite diplomatic progress and legislative actions such as the FEND Off Fentanyl Act, which imposes sanctions on the fentanyl supply chain, the Senators argue that further decisive action is imperative to reverse the tide of this epidemic.
This collaborative appeal to the Biden Administration emphasizes a comprehensive strategy to combat the fentanyl crisis through international diplomacy, legislative reforms, and stringent trade measures. As the U.S. strives to address this public health emergency, the Senators’ call to action represents a critical step in safeguarding American lives and holding accountable those responsible for perpetuating this lethal trade.
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