Uncovering the CCP's role in the fentanyl crisis

During my time in Congress representing Washington’s 4th Congressional District, addressing the fentanyl crisis has been one of my top priorities. I have introduced legislation such as the Stop Overdose in Schools Act, fought the policies of unelected federal bureaucrats including Department of Homeland Security Director Alejandro Mayorkas, and even established a Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force to find new solutions with members of our community. But most recently, I was appointed to lead the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group and find legislative solutions to help us counter the CCP’s involvement in the fentanyl crisis and mitigate its impact on our communities.

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for people ages 18-45 in the United States, and due to a report compiled by the Select Committee on the CCP, we now know that the CCP is the driving force behind this crisis. From funding the manufacturing and export of illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals to holding ownership interest in companies tied to drug trafficking, the CCP is not only an active participant in the drug trade—they are directly incentivizing it. While they continue to economically enrich themselves at the expense of the health and safety of millions of Americans, it is imperative that the United States sends a clear message: this must stop.

As overdose deaths across the country have gradually begun to decline, particularly on the East Coast, Washington’s death toll has continued to rise, defying the national trend. As of January 2024, there has been an estimated 23.27% increase in drug overdose deaths in Washington, while the rest of the nation experienced a predicted 4.5% decrease. These numbers tell a chilling story.

Recently, I spoke with local residents in Mattawa who informed me that Wahluke High School has just suffered their fourth overdose death this year. This drug touches every corner of our communities, and often times young people are not even aware of the deadly substance they have consumed. The Select Committee is united in this effort—too many Americans have died for us to waste time on political theater. On this issue, there are no Republicans or Democrats, just concerned parents, grandparents, and neighbors who are unified in our goal to tackle this threat head-on.

As the leader on the Select Committee’s Fentanyl Policy Working Group, it is my job to take a hard look at this issue based on the evidence uncovered in last April’s report and use what we have learned to craft effective legislation. Meeting on a weekly basis when Congress is in session, we will engage with subject matter experts, review current trends and all relevant data, coordinate with committee and caucus leadership, and educate members of Congress on the best path forward.

The CCP’s blend of geopolitics and corruption violates international law and has caused immense suffering in Central Washington, the United States, and across the globe. We cannot allow an adversarial nation with a vested interest in destabilizing our nation to continue their efforts unchallenged. I look forward to continuing to lead my colleagues in Congress in cracking down on the CCP’s malign influence here at home.