From China to Central Washington: tracing the deadly path of the fentanyl epidemic

Communities across Central Washington have been devastated by the epidemic of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is the leading cause of death for people ages 18-45 in the United States. Dubbed the “silent killer” of American youth, fentanyl’s lethal potency is alarming; a mere two milligrams, equivalent to 10-15 grains of table salt, constitutes a fatal dose. Bad actors in China have been taking advantage of loopholes in our laws in the United States to push these dangerous substances over our borders, and I have been working tirelessly with law enforcement officers, addiction treatment organizations, medical professionals, drug court officials, school resource officers, tribal leaders, elected officials, community representatives, and individuals impacted by the illicit fentanyl crisis to have a productive discussion on approaches we can take to fight this epidemic at the federal, state, and local levels.

According to a report issued by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), the CCP is the ultimate geographic source of the fentanyl crisis. The CCP has directly subsidized the manufacturing and export of illicit fentanyl precursors, given monetary grants and awards to companies openly trafficking fentanyl materials and other synthetic narcotics, held ownership interest in companies tied to drug trafficking, failed to prosecute the manufacturers of the precursor chemicals, and even allowed the open sale of fentanyl precursors on their extensively monitored internet—all while censoring content about domestic drug sales, leaving export-focused content untouched.

We know the CCP is working around the clock to influence our institutions and change our way of life back home, but this is unmistakable proof they are maliciously driving the illicit fentanyl crisis within our own borders while staying drug-free domestically. Operating the most advanced techno-authoritarian state globally, they possess the capability to clamp down on this bad behavior yet choose to turn a blind eye when it comes to the production and proliferation of illegal and synthetic opioids.

However, fentanyl is not the sole illicit substance infiltrating our nation. Recent reports indicate a surge in illegal e-cigarettes, traced back to the CCP. In fact, over 90% of the e-cigarettes on the market today are manufactured overseas in China, despite the prohibition of their sale within China. Legality aside, there have also been reports of people all over the country overdosing on these e-cigarettes laced with fentanyl. Exploiting loopholes in our legal framework, these manufacturers export these perilous products unchecked. Without adequate regulation, the contents of these e-cigarettes remain uncertain, posing significant risks to public health.

As the CCP continues to economically enrich themselves at the expense and safety of Americans, it is imperative we move beyond legislation and adopt a more comprehensive approach. While I will continue fighting in Congress to ensure our law enforcement and public health officials on the frontlines have the resources they need, I encourage families in Central Washington to stay on alert and remain vigilant in safeguarding our communities.